Tyson Fury knocking Wilder down at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas Tyson Fury completed one of the greatest comebacks in modern sports history on Saturday night when he knocked out Deontay Wilder in the seventh round to become the WBC Heavyweight champion of the world.
In a packed MGM Grand, Las Vegas on Saturday night hopeful comeback king Tyson Fury looked to overcome favourite Deontay Wilder in what was the pairs second encounter. The first time these two heavyweights locked horns the result ended in a controversial draw.
“There’s no more ducking and diving,” said Fury. “The date has been set, and the ‘Bomb Squad’ is about to be securely detonated and the real champion crowned as the world watches on for the most anticipated fight in years.
Tyson Fury stated in a press conference following the official announcement of the bout
The build up to the fight saw Tyson Fury change up his coaching staff just 2 months before the massive encounter, Fury announced Ben Davison would no longer be in charge and would be replaced by SugarHill Steward, the nephew of legendary coach Emanuel Steward. The move strategically made with the aim of knocking Deontay Wilder out. Fury said he would take the fight to Wilder, and changing trainer would help change his style.
The most anticipated rematch of the year was sure to not disappoint as Fury stuck to his word following the opening bell, The Gypsy king coming out with renewed energy following comments that he will take ‘center stage’ against Wilder, this coupled with Fury being in arguably the best shape of his career. Deontay ‘the bronze bomber’ Wilder however was sure to counter, as the heavyweight champion looked to extend his title reign and surpass Mohammed Ali’s record of 10 straight heavyweight title defenses, something he has held since 2015.
The first round
Fury came out a lot more aggressive in the first round in comparison to his first encounter with Wilder, however It was Wilder who landed the first big right hand within the first minute. Fury quickly countered with a series of punches, the contender vouching to not let the bout be decided by the hands of the judges. A strong jab by Fury followed which set Wilder back early on.
The Gypsy King continued to look comfortable in the ring, Wilder waiting for his moment to land his signature big right hand knock out punch. Fury’s jabs however seeming problematic throughout for the Bronze bomber. A big right hand snapped back the head of Fury in the second, Fury shaking off the punch and tying things up. Both fighters continue to exchange big punches early on, Fury with his classic jab and Wilder with his big right hand.
The build-up
The 3rd started with Tyson Fury getting in a series of jabs to Wilder’s mid section followed by a big right hand, Fury continued to smother his punches on the champion resulting in both fighters coming to a hold, the momentum ultimately lost by the contender. Wilder definitely looking on the back foot at this stage as he looked the more out of breathe of the two men.
With just 30 seconds left on the clock in the 3rd round, Fury landed a left, right hand combo sending Wilder to the canvas. Fury celebrated but Wilder quickly gathered himself to continue matters. Fury saw the opportunity and came rushing to the weakness of Wilder, the Champion stumbling at the feet of Fury to fall to the canvas once again, this time less intentionally, the ref waving that no knock down was recorded. Wilder’s legs had gone at this stage of the fight as he struggled to hold his composure.
The 4th started just as we had left matters in the 3rd, Wilder with a cheeky punch to the back of the head of Fury early on, the referee issuing a warning to both fighters to keep things clean. Fury fired several shots that were avoided by Wilder, the momentum sending him down as he lost his balance, again a no knock down call by the referee. Blood beginning to flow from the left air of Wilder. Fury looking very much in control of this fight as he continued to dominate proceedings.
Fury continued to pour it on as wave after wave of punches followed into the end of the 4th round. Deontay Wilder looking to still land his signature right hand as Fury continued to drop his hands as he leaned in vulnerably, however Wilder didn’t take the opportunity as he looked uncharacteristically weaker physically.
The moment of magic
The 5th round started with incredible pace as Fury landed a series of big right hands to the face of Wilder, the two men locking up to slow matters down, Wilder with another shot to the back of the head of Fury as the pair came together. Tyson Fury continued to pitch a nearly perfect game as he continued to land several close upper cut shots to the mouth of Wilder. Wilder continuing to show signs of exhaustion as he tried to keep himself together, again his legs and equilibrium seemly off. Fury landed another big shot to the body of Wilder, sending the fighter down officially for the second time in the fight.
Wilder continued to hang on as he surged deep to land a series of punches on Fury, the fight not looking to be wrapped up by the Gypsy King and his team just yet. Wilder continued to battle through the 6th as he dodged and ducked the punches of Fury, the contender adamant to wrap things up, Wilder looking to drag things out to the end of the 9th.
The final blow
The bronze bomber came into the 7th with his back against the wall, his ear still showing signs of heavy blood flow, a possible cause to his loss in equilibrium. Fury landed a big left hook that sent Wilder stumbling back. With a minute and 30 seconds to go in the 7th Wilder found himself up against the ropes, Fury took his opportunity and landed a series of heavy blows, Wilder trying protecting himself as much as possible, Wilder’s team had seen enough as they threw in the towel signalling the referee to end matters. Wilder questioning the decision by his team. Tyson Fury Celebrated as he claimed the title of new WBC heavy weight champion.
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