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      Floyd Mayweather’s five toughest fights – from Oscar De La Hoya split-decision to Marcos Maidana’s roughhousing

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER not only retired with a perfect 50-0 record but also hung up his gloves with barley a scratch on his face.
      The 43-year-old is famed for his iconic defensive style adopted towards the end of his career, mastering the sweet science of hit and not get hit.

      Floyd Mayweather retired unbeaten at 50-0Credit: Rex Features

      Mayweather merely getting caught clean was a collectors item, making close calls during his 21-year pro career few and far between.
      But on the odd occasion, the five-time champion’s undefeated record did come under threat.
      Here SunSport lists Mayweather’s five toughest fights.
      Emanuel Augustus, 2000
      Perhaps the least known on the list, but Mayweather actually confessed Augustus was his trickiest ever opponent.

      He said: “If I was rating certain fighters out of every guy that I fought, I’m going to rate Emanuel Augustus first compared to all the guys that I’ve faced.
      “He didn’t have the best record in the sport of boxing, he has never won a world title. But he came to fight and, of course, at that particular time I had took a long layoff.”
      Augustus was renowned for his eccentric style and nicknamed the ‘drunk master’ as he would act intoxicated in the ring to goad his opponents.
      Mayweather won on points against Augustus, who last boxed in 2011 and miraculously survived a gun shot wound to the head in 2014.

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      Floyd Mayweather against Emanuel Augustus

      Jose Castillo I, 2002
      Many believe Mayweather was fortunate to escape with a unanimous decision and lightweight world title against Castillo.
      The Mexican threw, landed and was more accurate with his shots over the 12-rounds, where he fought aggressively.
      Mayweather said post-fight that he suffered a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder on his final day of training, limiting his use of the jab.
      Despite the questions thrown at him, Mayweather silenced the doubters as he rematched Castillo eight months later, winning on points.
      He utilised his footwork to better effect while punching in combinations and proved too classy for Castillo.

      Floyd Mayweather pictured against Jose CastilloCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Oscar De La Hoya, 2007
      Mayweather stepped up to light-middleweight to fight ‘The Golden Boy’ but only weighed in 150lbs, 4lbs under the limit.
      De La Hoya asserted himself in the first half of the fight, but by the second he stopped using his jab as frequently and tired.
      Mayweather capitalised with superior speed and counter punching down the stretch to just pull away on the cards.
      One judge gave De La Hoya the nod, the only time anyone scored against Mayweather in his career, making it his sole split-decision win.
      At the time the fight sold a record 2.4million pay-per-views and marked the last time Mayweather was ever the B-side fighter, as the boxing’s new king was crowned.

      Floyd Mayweather’s only split-decision was against Oscar De La HoyaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Miguel Cotto, 2012
      In Mayweather’s last fight before he was due to serve six-months in prison for domestic abuse, he again stepped up to light-middle.
      He weighed in a career-heaviest 151lb, but Cotto’s physical advantage played a factor in the fight.
      Mayweather was also cut and bleeding from the nose, the first time he had faced such punishment.
      Still, he outlanded Cotto and made sure of the win by dominating the later rounds, pocketing at the time the biggest guaranteed purse, totalling £23m.
      Immediately after, Mayweather said: “Miguel Cotto was the toughest fighter I’ve faced so far.”

      Miguel Cotto was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in 2012Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Marcos Maidana, 2014
      Maidana earned the fight by beating Mayweather’s protege Adrien Broner, but was still a surprise pick.
      He made the fight gruelling, leaning on Mayweather, hitting and holding while even throwing a KNEE.
      By half way it was still even, and Mayweather was forced to fight fire with fire and at one point even turned southpaw to mix things up.
      He eventually emerged victorious on points, but one judge scored it a draw, meaning Maidana was beaten by majority-decision.
      Fans demanded a rematch and in the same year – like with Castillo – Mayweather won the second with ease, counter punching with success.

      Floyd Mayweather beat Marcos Maidana twice in 2014Credit: AFP – Getty

      50 Cent shows off hand speed with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in archive footage from 2013 More

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      Josh Warrington receives creepy Instagram request to buy his sweaty SOCKS after Mauricio Lara fight

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      JOSH WARRINGTON has been asked by a fan to sell them his sweaty SOCKS from fight night.
      The former IBF world featherweight champion, 30, will be up against Mauricio Lara, 22, on February 13.

      Josh Warrington shared the message with his 122,000 Instagram followersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      And one fan wants a stinky souvenir from the fight at Wembley Arena.
      The British star has revealed the creepy messages he has received ahead of his return to the ring.
      In the image shared to Instagram, one fan asked him: “Hey. Would you sell your used socks please? Like after boxing.”
      As Warrington had not replied, they sent another message in a desperate attempt to get a response.

      Warrington jokingly wrote: “Tag a mate who’s more excited for Fight Night than this guy.”
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      The Brit has been out of action since he beat French challenger Sofiane Takoucht in October 2019.
      And he has decided to reduce his pre-fight bonk ban ahead of his showdown with the Mexican.
      The Leeds warrior said: “I used to go two-and-a-half weeks when I was a young whippersnapper coming through on small-hall shows.

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      “I’d be like a little Jack Russell wanting to bend over the settee. 
      “But that’s long since gone. I think seven days or so is enough for me, I’m a little bit older now. 
      “I’ve heard some fighters say six months. That is not normal and it’s not healthy either.”

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      Demetrius Andrade dismisses Liam Williams fight claiming he has ‘no clue’ who Welshman is in brutal tweet

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      DEMETRIUS ANDRADE has dismissed claims he will fight Liam Williams – saying he has ‘no clue’ who the Welshman is in a brutal tweet.
      Earlier this week, Eddie Hearn – Andrade’s promoter – revealed the American would fight WBO mandatory challenger Williams.

      Demetrius Andrade has lashed out at claims he will fight Liam Williams

      Welshman Williams is mandatory challenger to Andrade’s WBO titleCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

      The Welshman’s promoter, Frank Warren, also shared his ‘delight’ at the fight getting the go-ahead after terms were agreed.
      The showdown is set to go ahead in the USA this April.
      But 29-0 southpaw Andrade himself has slammed the news, instead pushing for a fight with WWE star Baron Corbin.
      In a series of tweets, Andrade, 32, wrote: “Talk about being blindsided, who decided on all this?

      “We’re preparing to fight @BaronCorbinWWE at a catch weight.
      “Woke up 208 this morning, big news coming soon!!”
      Andrade continued: “New Gym should be ready by mid-March so I can finally get back.
      “Haven’t even been able to hit the bag since before Thanksgiving. @BaronCorbinWWE is late April, early May good for you??”

      Andrade – who has held world championships in two weights classes – then took aim at 23-2-1 Williams.
      On the 28-year-old, the American snapped: “Stop asking me about this @liamwilliamsko guy I got no clue who he is.
      “By the time he turns pro I’ll probably be retired!”
      Andrade has been pushing for a big fight with another champion – such as Billy Joe Saunders – since beating Luke Keeler a year ago.
      But he has been ordered to face his WBO mandatory challenger in Williams.
      The Welshman has reinvented himself at middleweight since back-to-back defeats at the hands of Liam Smith.
      Since then, Williams has won seven fights in a row, clinching the British title in the process.
      Most-recently he retained his belt inside 90 seconds by demolishing Andrew Robinson in October.

      Pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue involved in brutal charity bout More

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      Daniel Dubois sacking Martin Bowers for Mark Tibbs is among boxing’s most notorious betrayals

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      AS an act of treachery, Daniel Dubois unceremoniously sacking Martin Bowers ranks high among boxing’s most notorious betrayals.

      Four years ago, Bowers agreed to train red-raw 19-year-old novice Dubois and try to turn him into a world heavyweight title contender.

      Heavyweight Daniel Dubois dumped Martin Bowers after his first loss, a shock humbling against fellow Brit Joe Joyce

      Daniel Dubois’ new trainer Mark Tibbs said he has yet to meet the boxerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Dangerous Dan, after just 13 fights, was not only British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion but had been catapulted into a top-ten world ranking and recognised on both sides of the Atlantic as the division’s hottest young prospect.
      But four months ago Dubois suffered his first disastrous defeat against Joe Joyce. 
      With his left eye completely closed and his eye socket fractured, Dubois took the knee and was counted out in the tenth round.

      Dubois and Bowers had an amicable meeting last week to lay plans for his comeback in the summer.
      A few days later, to Bowers’ astonishment, he was told he had been dumped and Mark Tibbs would train Daniel instead.
      Obviously Dubois and his Svengali-like father David blame Bowers for what happened in the Joyce fight despite leading on two of the judges’ scorecards when he quit.
      Daniel gave the usual lame reason boxers do when they  decide to switch camps as he explained: “I really need a fresh start and I need to do what is best for me really.”

      When I spoke to him, Bowers  may well have been seething and feeling extremely hurt inside.

      He said: “I was surprised when they told me — it was the last thing I expected.
      “But I wish Daniel every future success. Along with my brother Tony we still manage him and we will do our utmost to get him the most money possible and the best fights.”
      Tibbs, who is training Billy Joe Saunders in Tenerife for his hoped-for unification world super-middleweight title fight with Canelo Alvarez in the spring, told me he has never even met Daniel.
      When I spoke to Mark this week, he said: “I’m sure we will get on well because it’s vital there is mutual trust.
      “After what happened to Daniel in the Joyce fight and the criticism he received over taking the knee we may have to work on psychological problems.

      “I don’t think he’ll be ready to make his comeback until June or July.”
      For Dubois to leave a top-class trainer like Bowers after just one defeat suggests to me he is implying he was in no way to blame.
      He had better hope Albert Einstein was right when he said ‘The measure of intelligence is the ability to change’.

      Dillian Whyte blasts ‘coward’ Daniel Dubois for ‘quitting’ as he stops fighting in shock defeat to Joe Joyce More

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      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is the biggest heavyweight fight since Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier, says Bob Arum

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      TYSON FURY against Anthony Joshua is the biggest heavyweight fight since Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier.
      That is according to legendary promoter Bob Arum, who staged the iconic ‘Fight of the Century’ at New York’s Madison Square Garden five decades ago.

      Boxing promoter Bob Arum pictured with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Anthony Joshua with his promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      Now Arum, who turns 90 this year, is on the cusp of delivering another history-making bout in boxing’s blue riband division.
      He believes Fury and Joshua’s pay-per-view pulling power and online presence – not available during Ali’s reign – can grip the wider public’s attention like never before.
      Arum told SunSport: “The closest heavyweight fight it compares to would be the first Ali-Frazer fight which was in March of 1971.
      “The whole world stopped. Why? Because Ali couldn’t fight because of the draft situation, couldn’t fight for three and a half years but he was still undefeated.

      “He captured everyone’s imagination, unfortunately we didn’t have the technology we have now.
      “We didn’t have satellites domestically like we do now to get the signal, we had to use telephone company longlines and we were limited to the number of people who could watch it.
      “There was no pay-per-view at the time, but still it was by far the biggest fight that I had ever experienced then and, looking back on it, now.
      “And I really think Fury-Joshua will begin to approach that first Ali-Frazer fight.”

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      All-time great Ali had been stripped of his title in 1967 after his refusal to serve in the Vietnam war due to his religious beliefs.
      He returned in 1970 and had two fights before challenging Frazier, where he lost for the first time.
      It took Ali three years to gain revenge, as he won the rematch on points, before emerging victorious in the series with his 1975 trilogy win.
      Fury, 32, has himself enjoyed a similar comeback story, having vacated the unified belts a year after he won them against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
      It took the Gyspy King – like Ali – three years to return, but by 2020 he was already at the heavyweight summit again.
      He dominated Deontay Wilder, 35, last February for the WBC belt, setting him up with a historic undisputed title decider against Joshua, 31.

      Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali in their first of three fights in 1971Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Bob Arum, middle, pictured with Muhammad Ali right, and Jimmy Ellis
      It will be the first time in heavyweight history that all four belts – WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO – will be on the line.
      Arum and Fury’s UK promoter Frank Warren have exchanged contracts with AJ’s backer Eddie Hearn, with top lawyers going over the finer details.
      Both sides – including Top Rank who return on Saturday with Joe Smith vs Maxim Vlasov on FITE TV or Premier Sports in the UK – will remain tight-lipped until an official announcement can be made.
      But fans have been ensured only extraordinary circumstances would prevent the Battle of Britain from finally commencing.
      Arum revealed: “Well, lightning could hit one of the fighters and incapacitate them and it doesn’t happen.
      “But otherwise, I’m absolutely certain it will happen.
      “But, remember fights like these, particularly this fight with Fury and Joshua, big financial ventures and anything of this magnitude, the lawyers are going to do good careful work.

      Deontay Wilder was well beaten by Tyson Fury last FebruaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Anthony Joshua is the unifeid championCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Matchroom sent us their draft of the agreement, then I set up a Zoom call with Frank and his lawyer Stephen Heath, with Tyson’s lawyer Robert Davis, with my lawyer and myself.
      “We went over the draft, made a whole list of changes, marked up – which we call redline – sent it back to them, they then accepted most of them, maybe some additional changes and it goes back.
      “But this is the normal process. The issues between the two camps continue to get narrowed down until there’s a meeting of the minds and the deal’s ready to be signed.
      “Not at that stage yet but I’m confident we will be.”
      Terms in the contract include a rematch clause for the loser, promising fans the chance of a domestic double header.
      But amid the coronavirus pandemic, the initial fight looks destined for an away fixture, with the Middle East and Asia both mooted options.
      Not only has Arum been in the thick of the greatest heavyweight fights, including with Mike Tyson, he has been involved in the richest.

      Justin Bieber, Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe, Manny Pacquiao and Bob ArumCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Floyd Mayweather beat Manny Pacquiao in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The American former attorney helped promote Floyd Mayweather’s 2015 win over Manny Pacquiao, which sold a record 4.4m PPVs and raked in around £52m in ticket sales.
      But it took over five years to make and relied on Mayweather demanding his terms be met in the negotiation room.
      That included his name being first on the poster, walking to the ring second and having his name announced after Pacquiao’s.
      Arum will be faced with similar requests between the nation’s leading stars in Fury and AJ, but does not expect such dramas to arise.
      He said: “Problems will be dealt with now and I envision Matchroom and their people, knowing Frank and his people, Top Rank, once we get it sorted the promotion will be really non-controversial. 
      “All of these issues will be sorted out beforehand.” 

      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘close’ to official announcement More

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      Watch Naoya Inoue and ex-world champ Daigo Higa pummel each other without headguards in brutal CHARITY bout gone wrong

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      NAOYA INOUE had a charity fight in Japan today – but he certainly wasn’t in a charitable mood.
      The unified bantamweight world champion went toe-to-toe against former WBC flyweight king Daigo Higa.

      Naoya Inoue fought Daigo Higa in a charity bout in Japan

      And there wasn’t a headguard in sight as both boxers traded hammer blows much to the delight of the commentators and the crowd.
      It may have been a charity bout, but the pair looked as though everything was on the line in the squared circle.
      The crowd regularly burst into rounds of appluase as the two traded leather.
      Inoue has become one of the most talked-about boxers in the lighter division due to his ferocious punch-power.

      He is three-weight world champion and won the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament in 2019.
      Ring Magazine named him as No2 on the Pound For Pound best boxers on the planet last year.
      It was announced after the WBSS final that Inoue signed a promotional deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable.
      Veteran promoter Arum worked with boxing great Manny Pacquiao when he moved to the US, and the American believes his newest overseas signing has the making of a superstar.

      Higa was determined to prove he still had the power

      Higa himself is a former world boxing champion

      He said: “Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, the sort of fighter who comes around once a decade.
      “He is already a superstar in Japan, and he will be major star stateside in no time.
      “You are looking at an all-time great who is entering the prime of what will be a historic career.”
      The 27-year-old is still undefeated as a pro, with 20 wins, 17 coming by way of KO.
      In November he stopped Jason Moloney in the seventh round of their fight in Las Vegas.

      Inoue is one of the pound for pound best boxers on the planetCredit: AFP or licensors

      Naoya Inoue shows off his bandaged eye after win against Nonito Donaire More

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      Anthony Joshua continues to show caring side as he honours public who made difference in 2020 through Covid-19 pandemic

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has showed off his caring side once again by honouring members of the public who made a real difference in 2020.
      Teaming up with JD Sports, the British heavyweight world champion, 31, paid tribute to some those who made a difference to others’ lives in an horrendous year.

      Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to his unsung heroes of 2020 after teaming up with JD SportsCredit: JD Sports

      Joshua has frequently shown off his caring side during the pandemicCredit: ©Mark Robinson

      With hundreds of nominations submitted, AJ has now picked his ‘true champions’ and reached out to applaud them for their selfless deeds during 12 months living through the coronavirus pandemic.
      From food bank volunteers to those who simply kept their family strong in an otherwise devastating 2020, Joshua was full of praise for his final 17 ‘champs’.
      JD ambassador Joshua said: “It’s so inspiring to see how many people have gone out of their way to make a difference to other people’s lives and give back.
      “2020 wasn’t easy for any of us but reading these stories shows that no matter how tough times can get, the UK can produce some true champions.

      “Having JD’s support to make this project happen was a great experience.
      “I’m really glad I got to meet the people behind the stories.
      “Being a true champion is something that you can’t teach.
      “I hope that these inspiring people carry on doing their amazing work throughout 2021 and beyond.”

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      FULL CHAMPS HONOURS LIST

      Josh Rees – Overcame loss of father and depression to get into university and land dream job
      Josie Lewis – Brought out a karaoke machine during every 8pm Clap for Carers celebration to motivate her whole street and completed a 30-day boxing challenge to raise money for charity
      Ben Hecks – Personal trainer who was nominated by a client for helping them to walk again after overcoming a stroke
      Akeem ‘Riddy’ Ennis-Brown – Overcame two training camp losses to fight his way to becoming UK Commonwealth Champion
      Zakarias Tadesse – Has volunteered over 100 hours for charity across food banks, community gardens, social action projects and footballing sessions
      Eve Remmington – Helped out in volunteer kitchen, as well as delivering food to vulnerable people alongside university studies and a part-time job at JD
      Ellie Budenberg – Volunteers for the Digital Buddies programme helping people who struggle with technology issues during lockdown
      Lou Otto – Quit her job and moved in to take care of her grandad for two weeks before he passed away
      Jake Gamban – Looked after and supported his girlfriend who suffers from mental health issues and her three kids, whilst also helping her grieve her brothers passing
      Megan Grimes – Mental health nurse for the NHS who continued to give the best possible care to new mothers suffering with mental health problems and their babies
      Shruti Saujani – Nominated by her local community for going over and above to ensure peoples wellbeing during the pandemic, bringing a smile to the people who have lost so much
      Leon Weaver – Nominated by his sister for helping her cope during her hospitalisation and the passing of their father, all while caring for his sick mother
      Reis Anderson – Nominated by his girlfriend for taking care of her and her grandmother during the pandemic whilst coping with his own job loss
      Tyler Didwell – Worked at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital as a mechanical engineer during the pandemic whilst taking care of his nan and mum
      Beni Panda – Started a grassroots football team that created opportunities to keep young people engaged during the pandemic
      Toyah Novak – Nominated by daughter after being diagnosed with brain disease, all whilst looking after her eight children
      Stacey Westwood – Teaching assistant who has worked tirelessly to continue to support local vulnerable families during Covid

      All of those picked by Joshua received a call from the boxing great.
      The reigning heavyweight world champion also hopes to meet up with the chosen few later in the year, when Covid restrictions allow.
      Joshua has frequently shown his softer side during the pandemic.
      In May 2020, AJ gave his backing to The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards – insisting brave NHS staff are Britain’s true ‘heroes’.
      And In December, he dug deep into his own pockets to keep British amateur boxing alive after clubs across the UK were forced shut by Covid.
      *For more details on the Champs Honours winners and the initiative in general, visit the website…

      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘close’ to official announcement More

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      Tyson Fury’s five toughest fights including McDermott ‘robbery’, 47 stitches against Wallin and dropped by Cunningham

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA insists Tyson Fury’s fighting CV is lightweight compared to his heavyweight conquests.
      AJ has the scalps of Kubrat Pulev, Alexander Povetkin, Joseph Parker, Dillian Whyte, Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Ruiz Jr.

      Anthony Joshua has questioned Fury’s boxing CV on his way to the topCredit: PA:Press Association

      But he got to 10-year-champion Klitschko three years after Fury bamboozled him in 2015 and the Ruiz rematch win only came after a crushing KO loss five months earlier.
      Fury has fewer steller names on his record but his two wins over Derek Chisora have improved with age thanks to Del Boy’s impressive recent run of form.
      And the Gypsy King did end Dr Steelhammer’s 11-year unbeaten run, in his adopted German home.
      And he should have two Deontay Wilder wins on his record – the man AJ tried and failed to fight for 18 frustrating months previously.

      Fury, 32, insists he is levels above his 31-year-old Watford rival and the Saudi Arabia summer showdown will be a one-sided shellacking limited to just a few of the early rounds.
      But SunSport remembers a few of the times Fury has come close to losing his unbeaten record and only his freakish combination of size and skill – and some dubious judging – have helped him survive deep water.
      John McDermott, 2009 – 98-92 points win – 9-0
      Fury, then just 21, showed plenty of guts and confidence by jumping in with a veteran McDermott for the English title in just his eighth pro fight. But the gamble should have backfired.
      McDermott, who never looked like much of an athlete, repeatedly whacked Fury with looping right hands and bullied the gangly novice over ten rounds.

      The Brentwood crowd gasped when referee Terry O’Connor, in charge of scoring the bout single-handed, raised Fury’s arm with a score of 98-92 or 8-2 in rounds.
      McDermott claims Fury’s father John met him in the Essex car park afterwards and said “the wrong man won”.
      The heartbroken slugger never bore a grudge, was stopped in the rematch and went on to become a sparring partner as Fury rose up the ranks.
      McDermott credits Fury with the bravery to face him so early in his career and the chin to take some of his best whacks but he knows who really won that fight.

      Tyson Fury was lucky to be handed a points win over John McDermott in 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Neven Pajkic, 2011 – R3 TKO – 17-0
      Fury welcomed his Bosnia-born Canadian challenger to Manchester for the first defence of hsi Commonwealth title.
      Fury was 11 years younger but also two stone heavier and six inches taller.
      The Brit was coasting for the first five minutes, against a challenger not noted for his power, but he was thumped by a looping right hand and floored for the first time in his career.
      After making the count and battling back, Fury was clipped by the same shot with seconds of the round left but he remained vertical.
      And, with his frantic home crowd and family roaring him on from ringside, Fury dropped Pajkic twice in the second and was nailed on for the hat-trick before the ref saved him.

      Fury was dropped for the first time in his career against Neven PajkicCredit: Rex Features
      Steve Cunningham, 2013 – R7 KO – 21-0
      Fury wanted to put on a show for his US debut and spent the opening round switching stances, taunting Cunningham and landing a flamboyant range of shots, usually with his fists flying up from his waist.
      But, in the middle of another second-round showboat, Cunningham looped in the same overhand right McDermott and Pajkic had enjoyed success with and decked Fury.
      Unlike in the Wilder rematch, when it looked like Fury was unconscious for five seconds, Fury’s lights remained on.
      He got up and dominated the former cruiserweight for the five following rounds and, with Cunningham exhausted after being mauled and whacked by a man three stone heavier for 20 minutes, he was floored and stopped by a right hook.

      Fury was put to the canvas in the second round against CunninghamCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Deontay Wilder, 2018 – split draw – 27-0-1
      Fury’s own father, himself a former fighter, thought taking on the unbeaten KO artist after three years of depression, obesity and drug abuse was madness.
      Only Tyson and promoter Frank Warren seemed to really fancy his chances of flying over to America and dethroning the terrifying Alabama slammer.
      But Fury raced into Los Angeles and befuddled Wilder for most of the fight until the drastic weight loss, inactivity and a couple of lapses in concentration cost him the win – officially – but secured his place as an almost mythical fighting figure.
      Wilder landed two cuffing blows around the back of Fury’s head in round nine and he folded into the canvas for a count but he rose and returned fire.
      Then, in the 12th, Wilder almost decapitated Fury with a right hand and left hook that robbed him of all his senses.
      For five seconds Fury, eyes closed in the land of nod, looked like a beaten man. But he rose in the nick of time and was harshley handed a draw after somehow fighting back and dominating the round in one of the most stunning rounds in modern boxing.

      Tyson Fury somehow salvaged a draw after being KO’d by WilderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Otto Wallin – 2019 – unanimous decision – 29-0-1
      After penning a £100m contract with ESPN, Fury was allowed a couple of ‘easy’ Stateside fights to charm the pay-per-view buying fans ahead of the Wilder rematch.
      Tom Schwartz three months earlier was a jolly-up but Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin was almost a bloody disaster.
      Without a bonafide cut man in his corner, Fury had his right eye slashed open by a left hand in the third round that required a whopping forty seven stitches.
      Fury and then trainer Ben Davison, at the time an untested 27-year-old, kept ice cool heads in the Las Vegas heat and held on for a points win.
      If Wallin – or any out-of-town challenger – had suffered a similar slash against a champion with a mega-money TV deal, he would have been hauled out and handed a loss.
      But Fury got the benefit of the doubt from referee Tony Weeks and deserved the win after showing unflappable nerves and solid skills.

      Tyson Fury required 47 stitches in his win over Otto WallinCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘close’ to official announcement More