Veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora has weighed in on the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, and it seems he’s siding with one over the other.

As the two heavyweights gear up for their showdown in Saudi Arabia next month, all eyes are on whether the ‘Gypsy King’ can avenge his first career loss at the hands of Usyk, who defeated him via split decision. But according to his former boxing rival Chisora, Fury might not be able to turn the tables in the upcoming match.

“Do I believe Tyson can beat Oleksandr? I look at the way he’s going in sparring camp,” Chisora told Secondsout. “I don’t personally believe that with the sparring partners he’s got right now that they’re pushing him to be a menace. They’re in awe of Tyson.

“I think Oleksandr is way more like start fast and finish fast. He knows he can hurt him now, so he’s going to come and try and hurt him. He keeps saying that he won’t leave him alone. I would love Tyson to win, but right now, those odds are not looking great.”

Chisora isn’t alone in his apprehension. Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has also shared his concerns ahead of Fury’s battle with Usyk. While Hearn is rooting for Fury to win, he believes Usyk has the upper hand.

In an interview with IFLTV last month, Hearn stated: “I have no idea how to beat him, 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.

Derek Chisora has warned Fury ahead of the rematch

Derek Chisora has warned Fury ahead of the rematch ( 

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Getty Images)

“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, but I do see him as the underdog in this fight.”

The highly anticipated rematch between Usyk and Fury is scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia, with the ringwalks expected to take place around 11 p.m. UK time (6 p.m. ET).

Usyk, 37, is a former Olympic champion who has never lost during his professional career, winning 22 times. He’s a former undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight levels, having beaten the likes of Fury, Joshua (twice), Chisora, Daniel Dubois, and Tony Bellew during his unblemished professional career.

Fury, meanwhile, also boasts an impressive record. The Brit, 36, has won 34 of his 36 professional fights, with his only defeat coming against Usyk in May. He was part of an iconic trilogy with Deontay Wilder, beating the American twice following their initial draw.

Fury has also fought the likes of Chisora (three times), Francis Ngannou, Dillian Whyte, Otto Wallin, and Wladimir Klitschko during his career. The rematch between Fury and Usyk will be for the unified world championship rather than the undisputed crown, as Dubois now holds the IBF belt vacated by Usyk during the summer.