Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will lock horns next month for the undisputed heavyweight world championship, with it, the opportunity to join the likes of Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali in the history books.
Lewis was the last man to hold the honour that his countryman Fury will be attempting to equal, defeating Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas to do so almost a quarter of a century ago.
And it has been revealed this week that the 58-year-old will actually play a significant part in proceedings in Riyadh on February 17th.
Fury currently only holds the WBC belt against Usyk’s WBA, WBO and IBF straps.
And WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman stated in his latest column that the heavyweight legend will be on site in Saudi Arabia to officially present the belt to victor in less than a month’s time
#OnThisDay in 1999 – Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield by UD12 to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. There hasn’t been a single undisputed champion at heavyweight in nearly a quarter century. pic.twitter.com/MasJN9xzRO
— 𝒟𝒾𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓈 (@DiariosJournals) November 14, 2023
“In less than a month Riyadh will receive the fight anticipated by all fans.
“The most important in the heavyweight category in at least 25 years ‘Ring of Fire’ will be held.
“It is about the fight for the undisputed title, with all four belts at stake (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO).
“Our champion, British Tyson Fury, will face Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk this coming February 17.
“The fight has been officially sanctioned and even with the condition of a rematch – no matter what happens, there will be chapter two of this epic.
“The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis, who will be a guest of honour and will represent the WBC in crowning the new undisputed champion.”
There have been plenty of comparisons between Fury and Lewis for obvious reasons, and these will only grow should he get past Usyk at the Kingdom Arena.
When the historic fight was first touted, ‘The Gyspy King’ was a significant favourite in the eyes of many observers, however this perception has shifted somewhat after his subpar showing against Francis Ngannou in October.
