Tale of the Tape: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2

Here, we look at how Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury stack up against each another ahead of Saturday's rematch for the heavyweight championship of the world in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

One of the most anticipated rematches in heavyweight boxing history is almost here.

Heavyweight champion Usyk will square off against former titleholder Fury on Saturday after the Ukrainian defeated the British giant by split decision in May.

The first fight between the two legends was highly contested, with Usyk appearing to win thanks to a dominant ninth round in which he nearly put Fury on the canvas. Fans and pundits are expecting similar fireworks in the second clash.

"You had your little chance to knock me out, didn't you b---h, and you couldn't do it," Fury told Usyk during a December interview with both fighters on DAZN.

"Hit me with 10 shots and couldn't do it. ... You're f---ed in the rematch. ... You know what's coming for you. I'm going to f--k you up, b---h."

Fury, who admits he's more focused ahead of the second bout, has done nothing but praise Usyk for handing him the first loss of his career. However, he has also said he believes he won their initial meeting and that the judges gave Usyk the victory because his country is at war.

"The Gypsy King" spent most of the first fight throwing counterpunches while working off his back foot. Fury said he doesn't plan to change his strategy even though he had success moving forward against the quicker Usyk.

Usyk is thinking otherwise. "The Cat" said he intends to make changes because he wants a better result over Fury, who he called the best fighter he's ever faced.

"Because Tyson know what I do, and I know what Tyson do; it will be a different fight," Usyk told DAZN.

Usyk was the aggressor in bout No. 1, moving forward with speed and precision. But his strategy also opened him up for a sharp right jab and uppercut from Fury in Round 6 that wobbled him twice.

The ever-reticent Usyk has kept his strategy for the second fight close to his chest. However, he's one of boxing's smartest fighters, so expect something significant from him in the rematch, whatever that may be.

Usyk taking down Fury for a second time would help cement his legacy as one of this generation's great heavyweights and pound-for-pound fighters.

If Fury gets revenge and hands Usyk the first loss of his career, the boxing world could be in store for the most epic trilogy of the 21st century.

Saturday is a big night in Riyadh, and the world will be watching.