TYSON FURY does have the power to KO Deontay Wilder.
That is the view of former world champ Joseph Parker, who has watched his preparations up close.
Tyson Fury CAN KO Deontay Wilder, says Joseph ParkerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
New trainer Javan ‘SugarHill’ Steward has been brought in to help Fury land a knockout win over WBC heavyweight king Wilder in Las Vegas this weekend.
And Parker warned doubters a bit of tinkering could lead to a sensational stoppage-win for the skilful technician.
Ex-WBO heavyweight champ Parker, 28, told SunSport: “I’ve been over to watch Tyson sparring, he has always been a good friend.
“We didn’t spar each other for this camp but Tyson does have knockout power.
“He has stopped fighters before and he is a very good fighter.
“I think because his movement and defence is so good, he was probably never really sitting down on his power punches.
“If he really uses his height and reach and weight, he could definitely knock people clean out.
“If he plants his feet, sits down on the shot and throws a right hand, ‘boom’, people will go down.”
Popular Parker, who beat Fury’s cousin Hughie in 2017 but lost his title to Anthony Joshua a year later, is also close friends with Wilder.
The 6ft 7in powerhouse Wilder, 34, divides opinions as forcefully as he knocks out opponents.
Is he a limited fighter with a padded record who gets out of a jail with a freakish right hand?
Or is the Bronze Bomber the hardest hitter in heavyweight history who is so confident in his ability that he can afford to lose rounds?
For Parker, it is “definitely the latter”. The Kiwi, speaking while warming up at the Team Barry gym in Vegas, explained: “People do not give Wilder the credit he deserves.
“Some people see the first six rounds he lost in the Luis Ortiz rematch recently and think he is a bad boxer. But I see a guy who is so confident in his power and ability that he can take his time and not rush any of his work.
“I think Wilder feels he can give early rounds away, knowing that he is tiring his opponent out, before turning their lights off as soon as the opportunity pops up.”
Brit Fury, 31, secured a draw in the first fight with Wilder and Parker refused to pick a winner in Sunday morning’s rematch.
He added: “I am friends with both guys, I respect them both, but Wilder is a bad man.
“I think Fury outboxes him and I almost always go with the boxer — but I am sitting on the fence for this one.”
Parker believes people are underestimating Fury’s strengthCredit: Getty Images
Tyson Fury could ‘box Deontay Wilder’s ears off’ claims Frank Bruno
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
