IT’S a fight that’s proving just too close to call.
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder renew their rivalry in Las Vegas as the heavyweight pair go toe-to-toe just over fourteen months since their first dramatic meeting.
Tyson Fury has promised to KO Deontay Wilder in the rematchCredit: EPA
That contest ended in a controversial draw, with the Gypsy King believing he’d done enough to take it on the cards despite a dramatic twelfth round knockdown.
With the rematch scheduled for February 22 and the WBC crown up for grabs, here’s how the two fighters compare going into what could be a career defining showdown.
Wilder is looking to demonstrate his awesome power again in VegasCredit: Alamy Live News
Fury vs Wilder tale of the tape
SINCE their stalemate in November 2018, both fighters have appeared in the ring just twice.
Fury has capitalised on his new-found fame in the USA by fighting twice in Las Vegas, as well as a much publicised stint in the WWE.
He won both of his bouts – but was cut badly in his points with over Otto Wallin and there are some doubt as to whether the wound has fully healed.
Wilder meanwhile has defended his WBC crown twice, beating Dominic Breazeale and Luis Ortiz by knockout.
Now 34 years old, the Bronze Bomber is three years older than Fury who turned 31 back in August.
Fury has looked to build his profile in the USA between title fightsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Height
Both men are heavyweights in every sense of the word.
Fury stands at an imposing 6ft9 and boxes in an orthodox stance, preferring to weave and jab his way through a contest.
He’s a stylish boxer against any opponent, but the stark contrast in styles was evident in the first meeting between this pair.
Wilder, who at 6ft7 isn’t often giving away height, is more of a big-punch artist and he will be looking for the knockout Hollywood finish throughout.
Weight
Until the weigh-in, it’s not known exactly how the fighters will approach this one.
But word from the camps suggest that both will be heavier than the first fight.
The Gypsy King scaled 18st 2lb back in 2018 – but after a diet of six meals a day the Brit is looking to fight at around 19st for the rematch.
And the Mancunian believes that by returning to a more natural weight, he’ll be harder for the Bronze Bomber to shove around or knock down.
Fury explained: “I haven’t really put weight on on purpose. I’ve just been eating plenty of food. It’s natural weight.”
While Wilder gave Fury a near THREE stone advantage in their first fight.
The Bronze Bomber only weighed in at 15st 3lb – his lowest in a decade – before going on to twice floor Fury in Los Angeles.
Wilder’s trainer Jay Deas revealed he wants the Bronze Bomber to scale around the 15st 7lb mark for the Vegas rematch.
Pro record
Wilder is one of the most experienced heavyweights on the circuit and has been in 43 pro bouts.
Of those, he’s won an incredible 42 – with the only blot on his copybook that dramatic draw with Fury back in 2018.
And they don’t call him a knockout merchant for nothing.
Wilder has 41 career knockouts, with the only man taking him the distance apart from Fury being Bermane Stiverne at the MGM Grand back in 2015.
Fury meanwhile also holds a proud unbeaten record.
He is 29-0-1 following his dramatic win over Wallin last year, where he was forced to scrap to the end with a huge gash over his right eye.
Of those 29 victories, Fury boasts an impressive 20 knockouts.
Fight odds
- Deontay Wilder to win – 1/1
- Tyson Fury to win – 10/11
- Fight to be a draw – 18/1
- Wilder to win by KO – 11/8
- Wilder to win by decision – 8/1
- Fury to win by KO – 5/1
- Fury to win by decision – 3/2
*All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
