In the current era of boxing it’s more the norm to see viewing figures rise for less than flattering crossover events including a you-tuber and a noted rapper, influencer or fading former fighter. The days where fans would druel at the sound of a superfight or the return of an iconic champion to roll back the years in a comeback seem far removed to the rear view mirror. The heavyweight division hasn't had a single standout lightning rod since the days of Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson and has dragged its feet for the anticipation of a unified champion for 25 years. Tonight in Saudi arabia we will see possibly the first historic steps in over 2 decades to bridge that gap and attempt to capture the imagination of heavyweight purists when WBC and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury meets unified 3 belt champion Oleksandr Usyk for all of the marbles and the opportunity to be heralded as the first universally recognised world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis back in 1999. Both men have made impressive statements at the top of their game with standout wins over Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua respectively yet both are guilty of less than stellar performances of late against underwhelming opposition in Daniel Dubois and Francis Nganou, however both are incredibly skilled and stand defiant and undefeated. The anecdote that a good big man will always beat a good little man very often doesnt apply, Michael Spinks is a prime example to contest that theory, Fury isn't just a good big man, hes an exceptional super big man who knows how to use the tools he was blessed with. Usyk these days isn't quite so little, but in comparrison is playing catch up on the physical stakes by giving away 30 plus pounds. Usyk however isn't to be underestimated, he is deceptively quick and unorthadox and always seems to find a means to victory. Its an intriguing match with a huge historic significance and has all the mystical ingredients to have boxing fans excited once again in anticipation of such a landmark step. Both participants appear in fantastic optimum condition and are at the pinnacle of their respective careers, i personally can see a case for either man claiming victory, however the true winner on the grand scheme of things is boxing which will win with this weeks premium global exposure all preluding to the crowning of an undisputed world heavyweight champion. Since fighting men put gloves on their hands, 25 men have claimed the unified title in over 100 years.. We are privileged this weekend to witness number 26.
