I cannot wait to see if Tyson Fury can avenge his first-ever professional loss when he goes toe-to-toe with Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh for the second time this year.

Usyk won a split decision in May after nearly stopping the Gypsy King in the ninth round to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly a quarter of a century. The IBF belt has since been vacated, but the title that really matters is still up for grabs – who is number one? 

As a professional boxer forging my way in the sport, I am beyond excited to be in Saudi for the fight. Being ringside for the biggest card of the year is a massive privilege and there are so many top fights I’m looking forward to. Let's get into my predictions for the night.

Dan Morley's Boxing Betting Tips

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis is a change to the original as bronchitis forced out Israil Madrimov so giving the Brit a chance to upset the party. Bohachuk has been in with some quality operators – Virgil Ortiz who he gave a tough night and Brian Mendezo, who he beat over the distance. 

He’s not fast, but he’s relentless and strong. For Ishmael, this is a great opportunity coming in at late notice as Bohachuk can get caught, but I do think the Ukrainian will get his arm raised after a points victory. That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if Davis gives him plenty to think about as he is dangerous!

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis – Bohachuk to Win on Points

In the battle of the featherweights, I fancy Lee McGregor to get his career back on track with a good win over Isaac Lowe. 

It’s been a frustrating couple of years for Lee with fights falling through and trainer changes, but he has that extra bit of quality as was shown when he won British and European titles early on in his pro career. 

In the other corner, Isaac’s been in some hard fights, been in with really good fighters and taken some defeats. He has more experience as a pro, but the Scot is a bit more on the upward trajectory and I reckon he gets the nod on points.

Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor – McGregor to Win on Points

Moving on to the big boys and Demsey McKean is in against Moses Itauma. Moses, who is still only 19, is looking to become the youngest ever heavyweight world champion. 

Whether he does that or not, he’s still on a very impressive surge. He’s the next big thing in British boxing. Aussie McKean did well last time out against Filip Hergovic, but he got stopped. I think this is great step-up fight for Moses, he’ll get some work in, but somewhere relatively on I think we’ll see a stoppage.

Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean – Itauma Rounds 3-4

Also in the heavyweight division we have another domestic dust-up in the shape of Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen going at it. This is an interesting one as they are two good blokes, similar but at different stages of their careers, both humble. 

I think this is a decent fight for Johnny as he continues to learn his trade. He’s still building his experience while Dave has been in with some great fighters like Luis Ortiz. 

Dave’s got a great chin and if he turns up, he can score an upset. I do believe Johnny wins via points decision though as he has momentum. This is a last shot for Dave and it’s great he’s getting the Saudi gig, but it’s Johnny on points for me.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen - Fisher to Win on Points

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury Prediction

As regards the main event, well you just know what Oleksandr Usyk’s going to bring! He’s going to do what he always does and be relentless. He’ll stick it on Fury and go up through the levels. He surprised me with how he went about the first fight with Fury. I didn’t think he’d be able to rise quite to that level and overcome the adversity that Fury was putting on him – especially with the size disadvantage. 

We know Usyk is going to bring it, so it all depends on what Fury does and how he performs. If he is completely focused the entire fight – there were moments where he switched off in the first fight – and he can maintain that focus for the 12 rounds, then I think we could see him potentially stop Usyk. 

But ultimately, the way the fight went first time around – between rounds four to seven – was how I’d envisioned it going. If Fury can do that again, sustain the pressure, work the body, then I think we’ll see Fury victorious. It’s all about his adjustments and I think the big man will have learned his lesson, stay on it, and eke out a points win. That will set the trilogy up nicely. I really cannot wait. 

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury – Fury to Win on Points