Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury
Saturday, BT Sport Box Office
JUST THREE BOUTS INTO HIS COMEBACK,
British boxer Tyson Fury could become heavyweight champion of the world once again when he challenges American Deontay Wilder for his WBC belt in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Fury won the IBF, WBA and WBO titles in 2015 by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, but then spent two and a half years out of the ring – losing his titles – when he was suspended over ‘anti-doping and medical issues’.
The 30-year-old returned to action this year with wins over Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta. But is he ready to take on the formidable Wilder? We asked Frank Warren, who is promoting the bout, for his prediction…
THE CHALLENGER
‘With just two fights under his belt, Tyson Fury hasn’t really been tested on his comeback, but his real test was to get back to where he is now. Remember, not so long ago he was in the depths of despair, and eight stone heavier than he is now. He was in a horrible place, so to get to where he is now makes him a winner.
‘As a boxer, Tyson is the complete package. His main weakness is his inactivity, but he has a great boxing brain, with good speed and footwork and can switch from southpaw to orthodox.’
THE CHAMPION
‘Like Tyson, Deontay Wilder is undefeated. He’s known for his punching power, having finished 39 of his 40 fights inside the distance – with 19 knockouts in the first round. He’s held the WBC title since 2015, but he will have to be at his best against Tyson.
‘The American has home advantage, but I don’t think that will faze Tyson, who went to Germany and did a job on Wladimir Klitschko in his backyard.’
‘There is a lot of talent in the division right now – with British fighters like Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte – but what happens next depends on what we see on Saturday… ’