“Don’t Miss These Thrillers: Undercard Fights Set to Shine in Fury vs. Usyk Event”
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Undercard: Three Fights You Cannot Miss
The clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is undoubtedly the highlight of tonight’s ‘Ring of Fire’ event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With the WBC champion Fury and IBF, WBA, and WBO champion Usyk set to battle for the undisputed heavyweight title, the excitement is palpable. But before the main event, there are undercard bouts that promise to deliver just as much drama and action. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has ensured that the pay-per-view is worth every penny by stacking the undercard with thrilling matchups. Here’s a look at three fights that could easily headline their own events.
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis
Just before the highly anticipated Fury vs. Usyk showdown, Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis will face off for the vacant IBF cruiserweight title, a belt both have previously held. This fight is a rematch of their brutal encounter in July 2022, where Opetaia emerged victorious despite sustaining a broken jaw, while Briedis left the ring with a broken nose. The IBF stripped Opetaia of the title and mandated a defense against Briedis, who was recovering from an injury.
Since then, Opetaia has continued to dominate, securing knockout wins against Jordan Thompson and Ellis Zorro. In contrast, the 39-year-old Briedis hasn’t fought since his 2022 bout with Opetaia, raising concerns about potential ring rust and the challenge of facing a 28-year-old in his prime. This rematch is set to be another epic battle, with both fighters eager to reclaim the title.
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Frank Sanchez vs. Agit Kabayel
Another exciting matchup features heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez against the undefeated Agit Kabayel. Sanchez, known for his boxing prowess, is on a mission to climb the heavyweight ranks toward a title shot. Although his opponents have often lacked star power, his victory over Efe Ajagba in 2021 stands out. Since then, he has won five more fights, all but one by knockout.
Kabayel, who has maintained a relatively low profile, showed his potential by defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov decisively last December. This fight represents Kabayel’s toughest challenge yet, and a win could position either fighter for a title shot. With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk potentially facing a rematch, the winner of this bout could be in line for a shot at the IBF title if it becomes vacant. The stakes are incredibly high, adding extra intrigue to this heavyweight showdown.
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Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace
Shifting focus from the heavyweights, Joe Cordina will defend his IBF and IBO super featherweight titles against Anthony Cacace. Cordina claimed the IBF title with a stunning second-round knockout of Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff and has since defended it against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and Edward Vazquez.
While Cacace might appear to be a lesser challenge compared to Cordina’s previous opponents, he remains a dangerous fighter. Cacace has a patchy record since his defeat to Martin J. Ward in 2017, including sitting out 2018 and 2020 entirely and fighting only once a year since 2021. Despite these gaps, he has secured three wins in the last three years, demonstrating resilience and skill. This bout offers Cordina a chance to solidify his reign, while Cacace aims to capitalize on his underdog status.
With such compelling undercard matchups, fans are in for a treat even before the main event. The battles between Opetaia and Briedis, Sanchez and Kabayel, and Cordina and Cacace promise high stakes, intense action, and the kind of drama that makes boxing so electrifying. So, if you’re tuning in just for Fury vs. Usyk, be sure to catch these undercard gems that are more than worth watching.
