Tyson Fury has officially activated his rematch clause, seeking redemption against undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The fight is expected to take place either late this year or early 2025.

Fury’s promoter, Bob Arum, confirmed the news, which was not unexpected given Fury’s statements following his 12-round split decision loss last Saturday night in Riyadh. Fury had declared in the ring that he would force the rematch against Usyk.

“That fight will take place either at the end of this year or the beginning of next year in Riyadh,” Arum told talkSPORT Boxing about the Fury vs. Usyk rematch. Arum also mentioned that Fury will get the Anthony Joshua fight regardless of the outcome of his rematch with Usyk.

Even with ten defeats, a fight between Fury and Joshua would still be highly marketable. While the pay-per-view numbers in the U.S. might not be massive if Fury enters the contest with consecutive defeats to Usyk, the fight will still do well in the UK, where Fury is a major icon.

In the United States, Fury’s popularity is not as strong. He is seen as an aging heavyweight with a less-than-athletic physique. Despite his physical decline over the past three years, Fury remains a celebrity due to his charisma, jokes, and trash-talking ability. These qualities help him sell fights.

Few boxing fans believe Fury has a significant chance of defeating Usyk in the rematch unless there is unusual scoring, similar to his fight with Francis Ngannou. Usyk is expected to aim for a knockout to ensure a clear victory, especially after the controversial standing eight count in their previous fight. In the ninth round, Usyk’s combination punching overwhelmed Fury, who was saved by a referee’s intervention that many found questionable.

The rematch promises to be intense, with Usyk likely focusing on securing a knockout to avoid any potential scoring controversies. This fight will be a crucial test for both boxers as they seek to solidify their legacies in the heavyweight division.