Tyson prepares to face Wilder again
Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King
ITV, 9pm
THIS Saturday, one of the most highly-anticipated rematches in boxing history takes place at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The first fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in December 2018 ended in a controversial splitdecision draw, with Fury outboxing WBC heavyweight champion Wilder despite suffering two knockdowns.
Since the epic first bout, Fury has climbed back inside the ring with
Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin, while Wilder has brutally knocked out Dominic Breazeale and Luis Ortiz.
Nevertheless, it is this match-up between the Bronze Bomber and the Gypsy King, which has boxing fans licking their lips.
“I’m not coming here for a points decision, I’ve had too many of them – nine of them – I’m coming here for a knockout. I’ve had 21 of them and from the heart that’s what I’m looking to do,” Fury said.
“The first fight I wanted to go in there and outbox him. It didn’t work. No matter what people say, I didn’t win. I count a draw as a loss. I am going to knock him out in the second round, he is going down inside two rounds.
“I keep having dreams where I knock him out in round two and I have been playing a lot of poker and getting dealt lots of twos, it is definitely a sign.”
Meanwhile, American champ Wilder, who is unbeaten in 43 fights, said: “It’s called unfinished business and he won’t be able to get back up. I’m going to knock him out.”
“We both have to come in like we did the first fight, with our hearts on our sleeves and the warrior mentality that we always bring.”
As a taster for the much-anticipated rematch, this three-part series follows Fury as he takes on a double challenge – to reclaim his heavyweight title and maintain his mental health.
Beginning last week, the show offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to one of sport’s most flamboyant, controversial and fascinating characters, giving viewers an unprecedented insight into his life.
Filmed over several months, we see 6ft 9in Fury in training as he prepares to take on his arch-rival Wilder for a second time, as well as the bouts against Schwarz and Wallin.
The series combines a warm and, at times, emotional family saga of proud traveller traditions with raw and unflinching scenes to reveal a complete and intimate portrait of the Gypsy King.
Tonight, we see the 31-year-old Wythenshawe-born heavyweight celebrate his victory over the previously undefeated German Schwartz with a night of heavy drinking back home in Morecambe.
We also see Tyson video-calling his rival, fellow Brit Anthony Joshua.
However, Fury’s drinking angers his wife, who is reminded of his alcohol abuse during his years of depression.
Tyson looks to make amends by treating the family to a day out in Blackpool and then booking a holiday.
The boxer then heads to Marbella with trainer Ben Davison, before preparing to face his next opponent, Swedish boxer Wallin, in Vegas.
It proves to be a challenging fight, and during the training camp and fight itself we get the impression that Fury is battling his demons as well.
Whether you’re a fan of Fury or not, this series, not to mention Saturday’s rematch with Wilder, will prove that the Gypsy King is pure box office.