Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder: Wait nearly over for huge heavyweight showdown

Free boxing tips, best bets and analysis for the heavyweight world championship bout between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.

Heavyweights ready for trilogy fight

Fight fans were expecting to see Tyson Fury take on Anthony Joshua for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, but the Gypsy King will step into the ring with Deontay Wilder for a third time instead.

The fight has been pushed back to October 9 after Fury contracted Covid-19 but it is all systems go for an autumn showdown.

Fury stopped the Bronze Bomber in the seventh round to claim the WBC belt in February 2020 and the British banger has announced that he has agreed to fight Wilder after the American triggered a clause for another clash.

That came after the pair battled out a split decision draw at the Staples Centre in 2018.

The WBC champ was ordered to face Wilder by an arbitration court, which put paid to any hope of an undisputed British heavyweight champion, for the time being at least.

Speaking after Wilder refused to engage in the build-up to the fight, Fury said: "I don't think it matters, what he does, because it's not about him, it's about me, what I do.

"It wouldn't matter if he ran around the ring in a circle, if he comes forward throwing bombs. It doesn't make any difference. When we're in there, I'll adjust to whatever it is on the night and what he's going to do.

"Winning is winning. An inch or a mile. I'll take a knockout or I'll take a points victory. It doesn't matter, as long as you get the win, you move on to the next one."

Tale of the tape

NameTyson FuryDeontay Wilder

NationalityBritish American

Age3235

Record30-0-142-1-1

Knockouts21 41

Height6ft 9in6ft 7in

Reach 85in83in

Stance Orthodox Orthodox

Belts WBC

Fury v Wilder: When will it happen?

The third fight has been rescheduled from July 24 to October 9.

Fury v Wilder: Where will it happen?

The bout will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and with fans returning to sporting venues across the world it should be an electric atmosphere.

Fury v Wilder: Previous fights

Fury and Wilder have clashed twice previously and they are now set to contest a third fight with the WBC belt on the line.

The pair slugged out a split-decision draw in 2018 and punters can probably still remember the Gypsy King rising from the canvas after being knocked down in the 12th round.

The Bronze Bomber floored the Brit and, like most spectators, thought that he had won the fight. However, Fury beat the count and perhaps should have got the decision after the final bell.

The second bout between the pair couldn't have been more of a contrast. Fury completely nullified Wilder by going on the front foot and dismantling the American in seven rounds.

The Bronze Bomber is probably the biggest puncher in boxing but he didn't have many opportunities to use that power and Fury busted him up round after round.

Fury v Wilder: Who wins and why?

After watching the second fight it's difficult to see anything other than a victory for Fury. Of course, Wilder carries devastating power, but he doesn't have the boxing ability or movement to utilise that against top-level opposition.

Fury is likely to go on the front foot once again and he was too fast, too slick and far too good for the American last time out.

At the time of the second fight, Wilder was unbeaten, and full of confidence and he was still dispatched by his opponent.

It's possible that a lot of the Bronze Bomber's confidence, heart and belief will have been knocked out of him by that defeat to Fury and it's hard to see how he is going to improve at the age of 35.

Wilder has a puncher's chance, but he may find himself stopped by the Gypsy King again.

Fury v Wilder: What next for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua was expecting to be stepping into the ring against Fury after the fight was signed and sealed, but it is yet to be delivered.

Instead AJ lost his WBA, WBO and IBF belts when putting in a pretty tepid display against Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua has a re-match clause with the Ukrainian and he should get the opportunity to win his titles back early next year.

Where to watch Fury v Wilder

Fury v Wilder will be a joint pay-per-view production in the United States between ESPN and Fox Sports.

ESPN has a five-fight deal with Fury, worth a reported £80m, while Fox has a deal with the American.

The fight is live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK.

Prediction for the Fury v Wilder fight

Fury destroyed Wilder at the MGM Grand last year and it's possible that he could get the American out of the ring even earlier this time around.

The Gypsy King battered Wilder before the fight was stopped in the seventh round and there is little to suggest that the underdog can turn the tables.

The Bronze Bomber has huge punch-power, but he doesn't have the skills to avoid a boxer of Fury's ability and it's hard to see him getting too many opportunities to let his big hooks go.

It's also worth considering the mental aspect of the bout. Wilder is a beaten man, his confidence is likely to have taken a big dent and you have to wonder if the desire remains.

Fury is likely to dominate the fight as he did in their previous meeting and the Gypsy King can once again land a stoppage victory.

Best bet

Tyson Fury to win by stoppage
2pts 10-11 Betfred, Hills

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