The expectations for Tyson Fury to make more of an effort for his weight were not met and he will weigh even more during the rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
It remains to be seen exactly how this will affect his performance, as he struggled to find his nimble opponent's head in the first clash and will now be even slower.
We've already given you our reasoned prediction for the winner of the rematch.
Now, let's turn our attention to the undercard and some alternative markets for Fury vs Usyk where we find significant value.
Fury vs Usyk 2: Hottest tips and hidden value bets
Total rounds and fight to go the distance
Although the main predictions expect another 12-round spectacle in which the judges will announce the winner, there are surprisingly good odds in some markets.
For instance, you can bet on Over 10.5 rounds and come out with a decent profit. Odds sit around 11/20 currently but vary from bookmaker to bookmaker.
Usyk knocked down Fury in the ninth round of the first fight and was close to an early finish. In the rematch, Tyson will definitely not allow himself to be as sloppy in defence as before.
And no matter how hard the Ukrainian tries to finish his opponent, he has a single knockout in the last five years, so an early finish is unlikely again. The rematch will probably go the full distance, like the first fight.
Odds for the fight to go the distance revolve around 13/18, so there is considerable value.
Usyk to score a knockdown at 6/5
Fury got knocked down a few times in recent years and OUsyk was one of only five fighters to ever put Fury in such a difficult position.
Their first fight featured a single knockdown, which happened in the ninth round after Usyk landed a long series of heavy punches.
The Gypsy King underestimated the Ukrainian and his power and will undoubtedly be more wary of the risk this time. But he will also weigh more than last time and potentially be slower, so Usyk may find enough openings to land a successful combination again.
Most punches thrown and fighter power punches landed
Bookmakers offer countless options for betting on the combined number of punches for both fighters, and we will give you some hints.
While betting on punches is always going to be a gamble, the stats from the first match showed that Fury threw more than Usyk but landed less. In fact, the Ukrainian led 170 to 157, while the overall number of punches thrown was 496 to 407 for Fury.
Focus your attention on power punches as there are modest but valuable odds for Usyk to land 100+. He managed 122 in the first fight and the 4/7 odds for him to land at least 100 again are tempting.
Alternatively, you can pick the overall market and bet on 200+ combined power punches landed at the same 4/7 odds.
Following the same logic, we should note that the bookmakers are giving 23/35 for Fury to throw a higher number of punches for the second time in a row.
Tyson vs Usyk 2 Bet Builder giving 2/1
Bookmakers like Bet365 offer plenty of betting options for Bet Builders, so that you can either come up with a winning combination between several markets. Our top selection gives a combined 2/1 and features three safer lines, based on our previous tips.
- Over 10.5 rounds
- 300+ Combined punches landed
- Fury to throw 450+ punches
Best Undercard picks and 17/5 ACCA
Serhii Bohachuk to knock out Ishmael Davis within 10 rounds
With both fighters coming off crushing defeats in which they lost their belts, this co-main event is not one you want to miss. Serhii Bohachuk is an overwhelming favourite, although Davis has much to offer. With the moneyline odds bringing zero value, we have to opt for the knockout win. Bohachuk finished 23 out of his 24 victories ahead of schedule.
Moses Itauma to defeat Demsey McKean via early KO
The 19-year-old Slovak has never seen more than six rounds in his fights and should find his way to another easy knockout against the 34-year-old McKean.
Johnny Fisher to defeat Dave Allen but not as early
Dave Allen is a tough nut to crack and Johnny may need longer than anticipated to find the gap for a knockout punch. Bookmakers expect a finish in the first half of the fight and we like the value of a small over.
Peter McGrail to defeat Rhys Edwards by decision
Matchmakers found a replacement for Dennis McCann, who got a positive doping test and left Peter McGrail without an opponent. Since neither of them are distinguished knockout artists, this bout is likely to go the distance. But McGrail had a full camp and is more complete as a fighter, so he should come out victorious on the cards.
ACCA:
- Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Under 9.5 Rounds
- Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean: Under 7.5 Rounds
- Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Over 4.5 Rounds
Vladislav has been professionally engaged in freelance journalism for seven years and has worked with numerous leading publications in the sports field. A football and martial arts fanatic, he spent years training before turning to writing.
