BOXING stars and legends have shared their predictions ahead of the blockbuster rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury, 36, and Usyk, 37, lock horns on Saturday, December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set for a blockbuster rematch
Eddie Hearn has changed his mind just two weeks after his initial prediction
Mike Tyson has a hilarious reason why he backs Fury
The Gypsy King is looking for revenge after the Ukrainian handed him his first ever defeat after 36 fights – 34 of which he won – in May when they faced off in the same venue.
Then Ukrainian megastar will be looking to extend his own undefeated streak to 23 wins after beating Fury via split decision in Riyadh.
Boxing‘s biggest personalities are also split ahead of the big fight and one of them even changed his mind, which shows just how close this match may be.
SunSport bring you all the predictions from the sport’s most famous names:
Eddie Hearn – Tyson Fury
Eddie Hearn changed his mind and now backs Tyson Fury just two weeks after predicting Oleksandr Usyk as the victor.
Hearn told iFL TV: “If Fury wins – and I’m actually leaning towards him, I’ve had a little bit of a [switch].
“Fury could fight AJ [Anthony Joshua] for the unified world heavyweight title. The biggest fight ever in the sport. Wembley, Riyadh, wherever.”
Hearn recently claimed he has “no idea” how to beat Usyk amid his stunning winning run.
The promoter previously said: “I have no idea how to beat [Usyk], but Tyson Fury is a very smart fighter. He has smart people in the corner, but also, from an IQ level in boxing, he’s right up there.
“Unfortunately, so is Oleksandr Usyk. So, my money, especially when he’s won the first fight, will always be on Oleksandr Usyk.
“My heart wants to see a Tyson Fury win. Not just because he’s British but also because I want to set up the AJ fight. I’d love to see him do it, but I do see him as the underdog in this fight.”
Lennox Lewis – Oleksandr Usyk
Lennox Lewis’ money is with Oleksandr Usyk and warned Tyson Fury he will have to box “smart”.
Lewis said: “It’s going to be a tough fight for both guys. It’s going to be mentally tough, it’s going to be physically tough.
“They’re going to push each other on the mental basis far, they’re going to push each other physically far. Both guys want to win this fight.
“Both guys want something from this and it’s going to be a mental challenge and a physical challenge.
“I think it’s going to be a banger, it’s going to be a serious fight, one guy was more serious than the other guy [in the first fight] — you could say Tyson Fury lost that fight and Usyk won it.
“Now it’s a situation where they’re having another fight, Tyson Fury has to win that fight so he’s going to be more focused, he’s going to put a little bit more weight on to get through this fight and he’s a lot more serious.
“Well, I cannot go against Usyk. Oleksandr Usyk has proven himself time and time again, and he’s still undefeated.
“It really comes down to who boxes the best. Who’s smart in the ring. I didn’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight.
“I think he played around a little bit too much and allowed Oleksandr Usyk to really pile up the points.
“Oleksandr Usyk is a difficult opponent. He moves all the time, he’s always throwing punches, he’s in great shape, and that’s hard to beat.”
Mike Tyson – Tyson Fury
Mike Tyson has a very unique reason why he’s backing Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia…
Tyson said: “Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world at the moment. But I’m going for Fury to beat him.
“Why? Because I’m a fan. Because his father gave him my name. I’m not abandoning him now.”
Anthony Joshua – Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua is confident Oleksandr Usyk will get his hand raised, but not by much.
Joshua said: “I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again.
“He’s a class operator and I feel like Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win.”
Anthony Joshua believes this is going to be a close fight
Lennox Lewis is very confident about the eventual winner
Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch