THE heavyweight rematch we’ve all been waiting for hits our screens TONIGHT, as Tyson Fury seeks revenge on heavyweight champion of the world – Oleksandr Uksyk.
Fury vs Usyk 2 is obviously the main attraction on Saturday night, but there’s a stacked undercard the precedes the mega fight at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
We’ve checked the latest odds from our partners, compared them to how we think the fight will pan out and have chosen a selection of the best value bets below.
Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here
Following his split decision win earlier in the year, Usyk comes into this titanic rematch as the odds-on favourite to make it back-to-back wins over Fury. But the Gypsy King isn’t too far behind in the latest betting odds with bookmakers like Betfred.
Here at the Sun, we reckon this mega fight will go the distance, with two knockdowns in the bout and Oleksandr Usyk will to get the fight on points. That’s currently a top price 7/1 with bookmakers Bet365.
*Current odds are subject to change. (Last updated on December 20, 09.15)
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If you’re taking up the Betfred offer above, here are their odds on the final outcomes. As always, big fights call for big markets and there’s plenty on offer for this Fury vs Usyk rematch. So if you’re looking for a bit of value in Fury’s revenge mission, or think his Ukrainian rival is just too good, there’s always a bit more value to dig up if you back them via a specific outcome.
Here’s what Betfred have on offer:
*Current odds are subject to change. (Last updated on December 20, 09.15)
It looks like we can expect a different Tyson Fury for this rematch – especially if his recent pictures are anything to go by.
The Gypsy King looks set to be BIGGER for the second fight, giving his 6.9 million followers on Instagram a sneak peek at his “new look” following a workout.
It’s a whole new approach he’ll have to take, given this is the first time he’s preparing for a fight having LOST his previous bout.
Looking ahead to the big fight, he said: “I know what I’ve got to do; nothing drastic.
“I thought I won the fight last time. Me being involved in boxing my whole life, I’d have given him round 8, 9 and 10.
“The judges saw it a bit different. It was as close as it can be. I’ll make it right this time.”
Fury’s Stats:
Oleksandr Usyk is favourite for a reason – he’s an absolute machine.
He comes across very confident of getting another win. And why shouldn’t he? But, he’s also aware that this fight will present his biggest challenge to date.
That’s because he’s expecting a much different fight and a different Tyson Fury this time around.
He said: “Because Tyson knows what I do and I know what Tyson does, it will be a different fight. I think [he is my toughest rival].
“I have much respect for all my opponents because it’s boxing, it’s a tough sport. It’s a very dangerous sport.
“This man is very famous around the world, he’s a big man, I’m a small man. But we have a second fight.”
Usyk’s Stats:
The reason this fight was so hyped up the first time and remains the same heading into the second edition, is because ANYTHING can happen. That’s exactly what the betting suggests too.
Below are our top tips for the fight:
Oleksandr Usyk remains unbeaten in 22 professional fights, showcasing his exceptional technical skills and ring intelligence. His previous victory over Tyson Fury back in May 2024 was secured via a split decision, highlighting his ability to outpoint opponents over 12 rounds. Given his track record, betting on Usyk to win by decision is a compelling option and an outcome that is looking likely.
Choose Oleksandr Usyk to win via Decision at 4/6 with bet365
Both Usyk and Fury have demonstrated durability and stamina in their careers. Notably, four of Usyk’s six heavyweight bouts have gone the full 12 rounds, and Fury’s last three fights against southpaws have also lasted the distance. These patterns suggest a strong likelihood that the rematch will go the distance.
Pick fight to last the distance at 4/7 on Betway
The intensity of this rematch could lead to both fighters experiencing knockdowns. Despite not looking like his former self in some recent bouts, Fury has genuine power, and Usyk’s own increasing ability to cause his opponent to leave their feet in the heavyweight division suggests he could also land a knockdown on the Gypsy King.
On top of that, reports indicate that Fury plans to enter the rematch at a heavier weight, potentially exceeding 19 stones. This strategy aims to leverage his size advantage; however, experts like Spencer Oliver have expressed concerns that the added weight could hinder Fury’s agility, potentially playing into Usyk’s strengths and giving him the chance to score more on his bigger opponent.
Bet on both fighters to be knocked down at 12/1 on BetMGM
I’ve said that Usyk is probably going to win via decision and that both fighters will be knocked down, so betting on Usyk to hit the floor but still take the contest makes a ton of sense.
Stake on Usyk to get Knocked Down but still win the fight at 8/1 via Betway
bet365 is offering a special Bet Boost for the fight, combining three outcomes:
With enhanced odds of 7/1 (up from 6/1), this Bet Boost provides significant value when combining some of my suggestions above. Bet Boosts are promotional offers that enhance the odds on specific outcomes, giving you a chance for higher potential returns. To place this bet, simply select the boosted market on bet365, add it to your bet slip, and confirm your wager. Always check the promotions section for updated boosts and offers in case this changes before fight night.
There’s got to be plenty of mutual respect between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, considering what each has done throughout their illustrious careers.
But Tyson’s “subtle” message for Usyk in their October press conference suggests that maybe isn’t the case.
The Gypsy King appeared to don a snazzy black-and-white suit, alongside a Gypsy King cap, as the pair set up this big fight.
But, zooming into the photos shows the custom-made suit actually featured hundreds of white hands on a black background, all of which were showing the middle finger.
The cost to purchase the fight via PPV is £24.999 and it will be shown on DAZN, TNT Sports & Sky Sports.
It’s a packed undercard that will precede Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 on December 21.
British heavyweight Moses Itauma is in action, and there’s an all-British bout between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen.
Ex-European champion Lee McGregor faces Isaac Lowe, too.
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IT’S that part of the year that no matter how excited you are about what your 2025 garden will bring, when we look at our actual outside space, a lot of it’s looking, well, a bit cr*p.
It’s no surprise – our lives seem ridiculously busy, and when the jobs are mainly leaf raking, cutting back slimy remains and pruning spikey roses – chocolate and a Christmas film suddenly sounds very appealing.
But there are ways to glow up your outside space – including some beautiful winter blooms.
And – top tip – a lot of them thrive in pots – so you can keep them elsewhere – and move them into the limelight once they really start to shine.
Here’s five Christmas crackers to add festive cheer to your garden.
A true winter gem, cyclamen is a hardy flower that thrives in the cold months. Available in some incredible shades of pink, red, and white, these delicate flowers bring a pop of color to any garden. Plant them in shaded spots, and they will bloom from late autumn through to early spring – just make sure you’ve bought the hardy variety – coum not persicum. Buy a set of three for £4.50 from Homebase.
Known as the “Christmas Rose,” hellebores are a must-have for winter. With their beautiful nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, and even deep purple, these perennials bloom through the colder months, and thrive in partially shaded areas. Plus their leaves are great ground cover. Buy for just £1 at Gardening Express
Winter jasmine’s bright yellow flowers bloom from December through to March, and although it doesn’t look exactly fabulous the rest of the year – you can forgive it anything when it adds that cheerful burst of fragrant sunshine to those dreary winter days. It’s a climbing plant, so hide it at the back to grow up fences and walls. B&Q are offering a 20-30cm pot for £12.99
This is a new (ish) hybrid evergreen climber that produces lovely bell-shaped blooms with cream petals with purple-y spot and splashes. Great for a sheltered wall. Its on sale at Suttons Seeds for just £10.
This has fabulous almost neon purple berries at this time of year – giving a disco vibe a bit like verbena bonariensis. Plant near a path – mines by my front door – or outside a window so you can enjoy for the longest time. You get the most fruit if it’s south or west facing. Currently on sale at Hayloft for £15.
Poinsetta alternatives, top tips and a lawn mower competition
POINSETTIA’S scream Christmas. But they can be an incredibly fussy plant – so if you don’t fancy splashing out for a flower where you’re lucky if it holds out for the Big Day – then there are some lovely alternatives.
AMARYLIS – half the excitement is planting the giant bulb in December and watching it grow – until it explodes into bright tropical trumpet. Great for a festive family competition to see who’s blooms first. £10 at Ornamental Trees.
CHRISTMAS CACTUS – looks like a firework with beautiful pink tips when it blooms any time between late November and early February – just needs the occasional water year round. Buy for £1 from Gardening Express.
INDOOR CYCLAMEN – its a thing and they look just like the outside ones – but warm and cosy inside with you. Just £9.09 at Crocus
RED ORCHIDS – symbolising passion and love, they’re a great alternative Christmas houseplant – and if you’re lucky – they’ll carry on for years. Bunches have sprays for £27.75
NEWS! DON’T worry if your holly is looking a bit bare of berries – they’re ‘taking a year off’. Experts knew that after such a bumper crop last year – there would be much less berries this year. It’s due to – a bit like a new mum – the bushes feeling a bit exhausted, so they give themselves a rest. Holly farmer Nick Coller, from the edge of the Norfolk Broads, said his takings would be a fifth of what they usually are.
NEWS! Check out gardening websites right now for some incredible bulb sales – it’s not too late to get them in. Suttons Seeds and Thompson & Morgan are offering 80 per cent off, while J Parkers are half price.
WIN! Webb Garden Machinery are giving one lucky Sun Gardening reader a Cordless Rotary Lawnmower worth £159 and a Cordless Line Trimmer worth £79.99. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/webbcomp or write to Sun Gardening Webb competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Ends 23.59GMT 4.1.25 T&Cs apply.
SAVE! Protect your plants with a roll of gardening fleece – B&Q do a 2x5m packet from BLOSTM for £14.99, or Amazon’s Takzuaa 2x5m version for £6.39
JOB OF THE WEEK Cut back all the rotting crocosmia, thin out any yellowing leaves from any surviving Geranium Rozannes, rake your lawn and cutback anything else that’s completely collapsed. Fleece your less hardy plants.
TOP TIP! To give your Poinsetta a fighting chance – don’t buy from places that display them by the door or a petrol forecourt – they’ve been too exposed to the cold and they won’t last.
Follow me @biros_and_bloom
TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk will battle once more TONIGHT to wrap up a stunning year of heavyweight boxing!
The two juggernauts went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a brilliant contest by a split-decision.
And in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both fighters in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.
Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.
However, a brutal ninth-round volley saw Usyk badly rock Fury and swing momentum back his way by forcing a standing eight count.
With four major world titles up for grabs, both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.
It went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour – 115-112, 114-15, 114-113.
Now, seven months later, they brace to do it all over again back in Riyadh, and Fury has weighed in at a career heaviest.
But the IBF belt will not be at stake this time as Usyk was forced to vacate it to proceed with the contracted re-run.
TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK 2 TIPS AND ODDS
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is taking place TONIGHT – Saturday, December 21.
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is hosting the big fight.
The ring walks are expected at a slightly earlier time of 10pm BST – this is 1am local time.
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How to Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live on DAZN
Get ready to rumble with Fury vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN Pay-Per-View! Here’s how:
Don’t miss the biggest fight of 2024! On December 21st “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury takes on “The Cat” Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in what promises to be the rematch of the century — order now and start your free DAZN trial today!
Wearing several layer of clothing, Tyson Fury weighed in at a career heaviest 282lbs – 20lbs heavier than in the first fight between the pair.
While Usyk tipped the scales at 226lbs, that’s only slightly heavier than the 223.5lbs last time out.
However just like Fury, Usyk weighed in fully clothed.
There was only a very brief stare off, nothing like the ELEVEN-minute showdown from the night before at the press conference.
Fury is coached by Sugarhill Steward – nephew to the legendary trainer Emanuel – with former world champ Andy Lee assistant.
And there is NO room for Fury’s dad John, who came under-fire for his advice in the corner in May.
Usyk’s head coach, meanwhile, is Yurii Ivanovich Tkachenko.
This time round, however, it will NOT be an undisputed heavyweight title fight.
This is because Usyk vacated the IBF title following his win so the mandatories for the belt could get their shot.
Daniel Dubois was upgraded to the IBF heavyweight champion, and has since defended it in dominant fashion – knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of a British record 96,000 crowd.
So it is only Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles up for grabs.
READ MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..
All the info:
News, features and interviews:
As well as Fury’s rematch with Usyk, there are seven other fights on the card.
Israil Madrimov, who narrowly lost to Terence Crawford in August, takes on Serhii Bohachuk.
Brit heavyweights Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher face challenges in Demsey McKean and Dave Allen respectively.
The undercard gets underway from 4pm GMT.