Boxing Rumors: Major Heavyweight Card in December

Social media boxing circles and tabloid press have been discussing a rumored mega fight card from Saudi Arabia in December of this year. I cannot find a reputable source reporting this as signed and finalized and it feels too good to be true. However, as a fight fan this would be the best news of a year filled with many fights fans have been clamoring for. Right now the fight card is being reported as Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title, former champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua meeting in a long awaited match and Francis Ngannou finally crossing over into boxing when he takes on Derek Chisora.

Fury vs Uysk

This is the biggest fight in the division for quite some time as both men are the clear number 1 and number 2 in the division with all the belts on the line. It will be the first time a heavyweight fight would be for all four major title belts and the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis. This fight is an interesting pairing of styles between two superb boxers. I have flip flopped over the years on this fight and it really is a fight where picking either fighter is a reasonable call as they match up so well. At this current moment in time I lean Fury but expect a terrific match.

Wilder vs Joshua

This was viewed as the biggest fight in the division prior to Fury’s return and series victory over Wilder. Joshua was then seen as the biggest fight for Fury in an all UK battle for all the belts back in 2021. Then Joshua fell to Usyk and both he and Wilder have now occupied a number two spot to the two headed monster at heavyweight. This fight would likely crown the best heavyweight without a title and this has been a much discussed fight. Did Wilder duck Joshua back then or was it the other way around? Who has more left in the tank? I have always picked Wilder despite Joshua’s list of victories and his seemingly better boxing fundamentals. Maybe I am a sucker for big punchers but I just have always felt Wilder will close the gap and turn off the lights. My hat is off to Joshua because although I have never been a fan of his he has shown a willingness above all others to take the big fights. He fought Usyk twice when he didn’t have to, negotiated with Fury and may very well face Wilder next on top of a strong list of opponents.

Ngannou vs Chisora

I am glad to see this crossover fight but am glad Ngannou is facing a lower tier boxer in his debut as opposed to the above names. I would rather the fights more integral to the sport take place before the side show popcorn Jake Paul type of stuff happen. Let Ngannou get a real win in boxing before wasting time and holding up bigger fights as I would expect Ngannou to get slapped by any of the above named boxers in a boxing debut. Despite Chisora being war weary and being knocked around the ring by Joseph Parker and Tyson Fury recently, Chisora will KO pretenders who are not top rate fighters. If Chisora has anything left he should end this by KO.