Boxing fans are rooting for Oleksandr Usyk to prevail over Tyson Fury in today’s heavyweight clash and potentially take the series 2-0.

The two first faced each other in a thrilling match in May this year, in which Usyk defeated “The Gypsy King” by split decision. With this victory, Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Even though he is the favorite to win again, many still believe Fury has the potential to displace the Ukrainian sensation.

Thousands of our readers cast their votes for the outcome of the fight, and there was a clear winner. Fifty-three percent of voters believe Usyk’s skills will defeat the “Gypsy King” and 45 percent believe the Briton will equalize the result in Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, given the expected closeness of the fight, only two percent of voters expect a draw. While most support the undefeated 37-year-old Ukrainian, Fury will certainly have something to say.

In a tight fight on Thursday evening, the Briton looked to issue a stern warning to his upcoming opponent. “He’s f–king, last time I was at 50 percent, you were the best you’ve ever been and yet you couldn’t do it,” he said. “You couldn’t do that.” *** All. Don’t be afraid, bunny, you look like shit. I won’t leave you alone. You ugly little son of a bitch. I’m killing you. You’ll wake up in the hospital, clown. You have a gift decision to make, clown. I’m a man, I’m a fucking champion.

“You ugly rat bastard. You are a rat. I will beat you seven days a week.” As for Usyk, the Ukrainian will once again be hoping to put on a show. He told Sky Sports: “I feel good. It’s round 13 because that’s how I feel. Tyson Fury also had a chance in the sixth, maybe seventh, maybe 12th, 11th, first, second round. But Tyson didn’t do that. It’s just a conversation. Tyson said I had a chance.

Meanwhile, Fury is backed by his promoter Frank Warren to fight unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Saturday’s rematch in Riyad. Fury left the event immediately after scoring a career-high 20 stone and 1 pound at the weigh-in, although he was fully clothed when he stepped on the scale and was wearing a massive leather jacket.

Usyk, the WBA, WBC and WBO champion who won the first fight by split decision, was also unclothed and weighed in at 16lb 2lb, the highest recorded. After the rivals stared down for 11 minutes and 20 seconds during Thursday’s head-to-head press conference, the final clash lasted just seconds before Fury turned around.

The 36-year-old then abruptly left, leaving Queensbury Promotions boss Warren to answer questions. “There will be war tomorrow (Saturday). That’s what it’s all about,” Warren said. “Tyson came to get these titles back, that’s why he’s here, that’s why he sacrificed a lot and I believe it will happen. You can analyze this however you want, the truth is that we will find out who is the best.

“And you know they both come to fight. This will be stimulating. When the first bell rings, they’ll get down to it and you’ll see something extra, extra special. In my opinion, it will happen (finish in the distance) – to Tyson’s advantage.”

Tyson Fury has once again disappointed British boxing fans. And not by failing to bring the heavyweight belts back to the UK.

Fighting in Saudi Arabia means fans no longer have “I was there” moments.

Only 2,500 Britons made up the 20,000 people packed into the Kingdom Arena for the first fight with Oleksandr Usyk, and not many more will show up for the rematch.

It shows that Saudi Arabia should not be the recent home of boxing.

British fans have proven they will travel. More than 30,000 viewers followed Ricky Hatton to Las Vegas when he bravely lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2007.

Recently, 8,000 home fans flocked to Madison Square Garden for Anthony Joshua’s match against Andy Ruiz Jr.

Both were great “I was there” moments.

However, Usyk vs Fury 2 will be another disappointment, even though the fight has all the hallmarks of a classic.

Fury has earned enough to support his family for a lifetime – now it’s time to give his devoted followers the chance to see him in person.

In September at Wembley, Daniel Dubois defended his IBF world title against Joshua in front of over 98,000 spectators.

Fury could break that record if he fought the right challenger here. Perhaps he’ll save it for when he finally faces Joshua. We just have to pray that it’s not too delayed for their careers.

The cheerful Flintoff family

They say it’s who you know, not what you know, that gets you to the top.

Rocky Flintoff, 16, will have to prove that theory wrong after his dad, Freddie Flintoff, called him up for the England Lions squad, which embarks on a tour of Australia in January.

During the winter family fun, all eyes will be on the school graduate.

Tyson Fury has rejected the idea that defeating Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch would be his crowning achievement in boxing, even though he is scheduled to face a man who ended his undefeated streak in May and is now considered the top heavyweight of his era.

Usyk, 37, holds undisputed titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, boasting an impeccable professional record and numerous major amateur accolades. But the 36-year-old Fury says his most monumental moment was his victory over Wladimir Klitschko when he was a significant underdog.

Alternatively, given the circumstances, his two triumphs over feared hitter Deontay Wilder after throwing 10 stone, battling addiction and overcoming a doping ban could be included in the honor. Fury, however, believes that beating Usyk this weekend won’t be the highlight of his 36-fight career because it wouldn’t be a surprise – at least not to him.

“I’m expected to do it,” he said. “When I beat Klitschko, they expected me to wipe the floor with him. Beating this guy after losing by one point in my last fight by split decision wouldn’t be like, “Oh my God, huge upset.” “

This is certainly up for debate. When they step into the ring again tonight at the Kingdom Arena, which has become the epicenter of boxing’s biggest events, Usyk is the favorite. Fury maintains their last fight was a close draw.

One of the judges scored the fight 114-113 in Fury’s favor, while the other two sided with Usyk, scoring 114-113 and 115-112. However, as the second half of the fight progressed, it seemed clear that the Ukrainian had taken the lead, especially after he forced a countout in the ninth round and almost ended the fight.

“I ended up stronger than him in round 12,” Fury said. “Believe it or not, he was carried back to the locker room. He was blown to pieces. “I have a photo on my phone, three days later I had no mark on me.

“Three days later he was massacred, his jaw was broken, his eye socket was damaged and so on. And I’m not even in the best shape, not even a little bit.

“Honestly, I feel sorry for the boy. They talk about trilogies, but… [the beating I’m going to put on him] he plans to return to cruiserweight on Saturday night.

– I’m sure of it. But then again, money speaks all languages, right? This involves a lot of money, so maybe he’ll want to hide even better.

There is ongoing debate as to whether a trilogy fight is contractually obligated. Ultimately, the decision rests with Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh, who controls the most critical aspect of boxing – the purse strings.

Daniel Dubois has expressed interest in fighting the winner and Anthony Joshua has his sights set on fighting Fury. We may see a third clash between these two in the Middle East in the coming months.

Fury’s assurance that it won’t overshadow Klitschko is persuasive, but there is a sense that this fight could be the defining moment of his career. He may not secure the undisputed crown that Usyk won in May as the IBF is now in the hands of others.

The WBA, WBO and WBC belts may be held by Dubois, but they pale in comparison to glamor boxing’s No. 1 title. Fury has been training in Malta for the past three months in preparation for tonight’s fight.

Despite his Santa-like beard, with only a lick of white hair dye left to complete, he left the Christmas shopping to his wife Paris, who will be at ringside tonight after missing their May date due to a miscarriage.

Instead of wondering what presents would be under the tree this Christmas, Fury focused on conquering the heavyweight division.

If he can do this, it will be his greatest night, whether he admits it or not.