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| Photo: The Independent |
WBC World Heavyweight Championship
Deontay Wilder Vs. Tyson Fury
By Peter Silkov
When Tyson Fury(27-0, 19koes) steps into the ring at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, against Deontay Wilder(40-0, 39koes) this Saturday night, it will be exactly three years and three days since his brilliant yet largely unsung victory over Wladimir Klitschko. On that night Fury became heavyweight champion of the world with a boxing display that remains one of the most underrated performances in the history of the division. Despite being a huge underdog, Fury achieved what no one had ever done until then against Wladimir Klitschko. He out-boxed the man whom, for over a decade had performed his craft in the ring with the clinical precision of a surgeon.
When Tyson Fury(27-0, 19koes) steps into the ring at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, against Deontay Wilder(40-0, 39koes) this Saturday night, it will be exactly three years and three days since his brilliant yet largely unsung victory over Wladimir Klitschko. On that night Fury became heavyweight champion of the world with a boxing display that remains one of the most underrated performances in the history of the division. Despite being a huge underdog, Fury achieved what no one had ever done until then against Wladimir Klitschko. He out-boxed the man whom, for over a decade had performed his craft in the ring with the clinical precision of a surgeon.
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| Fury Victory Over Klitschko Photo: BBC |
That night Wladimir had entered the ring against Fury with an unbeaten streak stretching back over 11 years, and Fury was the nineteenth consecutive challenger to try and prise the world heavyweight titles away from him. Yet despite being given little chance against Wladimir, who provided the added comfort of defending his championship before his adopted 'home fans', of Düsseldorf, Germany, Fury didn't just win, he won with an ease that perversely has repeatedly been used against him by people seeking to denigrate his victory and performance. At times Fury out-boxed 'Dr. Steelhammer' literally with his hands held behind his back. It was a performance that behind its unorthodoxy, contained strong undercurrents of brilliance. Fury's speed and all-around boxing ability often defy his six feet nine, eighteen stone plus, size.
However, Tyson Fury's quirky boxing style in the ring strongly mirrors his character outside of it. Throughout most of his career, he has become the human equivalent of Marmite, boxing fans, and the media generally, seem to either love him or hate him. If Tyson's relationship with the fans was periodically a little rocky, his relationship with the media has often been even more fraught.
Tyson's unorthodox intelligence outside of the ring, like his ring IQ, has frequently worked against him with the fans and the media. In a world where people are supposed to fit neatly into certain boxes, Tyson Fury has often been too complicated for peoples liking.
However, Tyson Fury's quirky boxing style in the ring strongly mirrors his character outside of it. Throughout most of his career, he has become the human equivalent of Marmite, boxing fans, and the media generally, seem to either love him or hate him. If Tyson's relationship with the fans was periodically a little rocky, his relationship with the media has often been even more fraught.
Tyson's unorthodox intelligence outside of the ring, like his ring IQ, has frequently worked against him with the fans and the media. In a world where people are supposed to fit neatly into certain boxes, Tyson Fury has often been too complicated for peoples liking.
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| Fury Protesting Photo: BBCSport |
Winning the world heavyweight championship would prove to be bitter-sweet, with a strong emphasis on the bitter. If he had thought that his victory over 'Dr. Steelhammer' in Germany would be greeted with an outpouring of fanfare and respect on his return to England; Tyson was sadly mistaken. The reaction of most of the media ranged from a general disinterest, to what can only be described as nothing short of a public crucifixion of Tyson Fury's character by much of the wider media.
There is an inescapable irony when comparing how Fury was treated in the aftermath of his victory over Klitschko, to the feverish excitement which greeted Anthony Joshua's triumph over Wladimir 17 months later. While Fury had beaten Klitschko with a technical superiority that many still can't acknowledge, Joshua beat Klitschko after being just a punch away from defeat.
You will nonetheless discover many people who maintain that the Wladimir who fought Joshua was a superior fighter to the one who had lost to Fury 17 months earlier. Sometimes the substance of an athlete's ability hinges more on the perception of those around him than on the real reality of his true ability.
The extent to which this most public rejection influenced Fury's now much-publicized tailspin into depression, drug, and alcohol abuse, in the wake of the greatest performance of his career, can only be surmised. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that being the subject of such negativity on such a wide scale is not beneficial for a person's mental health.
There is an inescapable irony when comparing how Fury was treated in the aftermath of his victory over Klitschko, to the feverish excitement which greeted Anthony Joshua's triumph over Wladimir 17 months later. While Fury had beaten Klitschko with a technical superiority that many still can't acknowledge, Joshua beat Klitschko after being just a punch away from defeat.
You will nonetheless discover many people who maintain that the Wladimir who fought Joshua was a superior fighter to the one who had lost to Fury 17 months earlier. Sometimes the substance of an athlete's ability hinges more on the perception of those around him than on the real reality of his true ability.
The extent to which this most public rejection influenced Fury's now much-publicized tailspin into depression, drug, and alcohol abuse, in the wake of the greatest performance of his career, can only be surmised. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that being the subject of such negativity on such a wide scale is not beneficial for a person's mental health.
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| Tyson Fury Weight Gain Photo: Daily Mirror |
One year after winning the heavyweight championship of the world Fury's world had imploded into a sea of alcohol and depression. He vacated his WBA, IBO, and WBO belts (having been stripped by the IBF barely two weeks after his victory over Wladimir, for still unclear and rather dubious reasons) and sunk into the kind of self-destructive abyss that many never escape.
12 months ago Tyson Fury had not fought since his win over Wladimir and had ballooned to over 28 stone. Far from him ever boxing again, there were fears amongst his friends and family for his life.
Fast forward to the present and Tyson Fury, weighing around eighteen stone (252 pounds) again, stands on the threshold of regaining everything he has lost, and more.
Something clicked in December last year, and Tyson started training again. It was baby steps, to begin with, the man who had danced unorthodox rings around Klitschko could barely run at the beginning.
Even when news of his return to the gym had leaked out, few expected Fury to stick at it. Even when he finally made his long-awaited return to the ring, on June 9, 2018, against the overmatched Sefer Seferi, a still blubbery Fury was ridiculed in some quarters. The fact that he had already lost more than seven stone in six months was lost on most of his detractors.
12 months ago Tyson Fury had not fought since his win over Wladimir and had ballooned to over 28 stone. Far from him ever boxing again, there were fears amongst his friends and family for his life.
Fast forward to the present and Tyson Fury, weighing around eighteen stone (252 pounds) again, stands on the threshold of regaining everything he has lost, and more.
Something clicked in December last year, and Tyson started training again. It was baby steps, to begin with, the man who had danced unorthodox rings around Klitschko could barely run at the beginning.
Even when news of his return to the gym had leaked out, few expected Fury to stick at it. Even when he finally made his long-awaited return to the ring, on June 9, 2018, against the overmatched Sefer Seferi, a still blubbery Fury was ridiculed in some quarters. The fact that he had already lost more than seven stone in six months was lost on most of his detractors.
Just nine weeks after his comeback fight against Seferi, Tyson outpointed Francesco Pianeta over 10 rounds. Though it wasn't the Fury who beat Klitschko, he was noticeably much trimmer and fitter than he had been against Seferi, and more impressively showed the legs and stamina to outbox Pianeta at a steady pace for ten rounds.
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| Fury Vs. Pianeta Photo: |
It is no exaggeration to say that Fury's comeback, when taken in the context of where he was both physically and mentally, just over a year ago, is already a remarkable story.
If Fury can crown his meteoric comeback with a victory over Deontay Wilder this Saturday, then his return to the ring will be one of the most outstanding ever seen, certainly in the heavyweight division. Muhammad Ali came back from three and a half years of enforced inactivity in the early 70s to eventually regain the crown. Unlike Tyson Fury, he did not need to lose over ten stone in the process.
The comparisons between Ali and Fury are interesting. Of course, Fury is not on the level of Ali. No heavyweight active today comes close to Ali, but style-wise and character-wise, Tyson comes closer than any other heavyweight today.
Like Ali, Tyson is fighting for the world title again in just his 3rd fight back. While Tyson's comeback opposition so far has been a far cry from the first two opponents of Ali's comeback (Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonevena), the fact that Tyson's comeback has involved overcoming mental health as well as physical problems.
Also like Ali, Tyson Fury enters the ring against Wilder with the distinction of being the 'lineal' heavyweight champion of the world, despite having been officially stripped of his title by men in suits, rather than an opponent in the ring.
If Fury can crown his meteoric comeback with a victory over Deontay Wilder this Saturday, then his return to the ring will be one of the most outstanding ever seen, certainly in the heavyweight division. Muhammad Ali came back from three and a half years of enforced inactivity in the early 70s to eventually regain the crown. Unlike Tyson Fury, he did not need to lose over ten stone in the process.
The comparisons between Ali and Fury are interesting. Of course, Fury is not on the level of Ali. No heavyweight active today comes close to Ali, but style-wise and character-wise, Tyson comes closer than any other heavyweight today.
Like Ali, Tyson is fighting for the world title again in just his 3rd fight back. While Tyson's comeback opposition so far has been a far cry from the first two opponents of Ali's comeback (Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonevena), the fact that Tyson's comeback has involved overcoming mental health as well as physical problems.
Also like Ali, Tyson Fury enters the ring against Wilder with the distinction of being the 'lineal' heavyweight champion of the world, despite having been officially stripped of his title by men in suits, rather than an opponent in the ring.
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| Wilder KOS Stiverne Photo: Los Angeles Times |
While Deontay Wilder is certainly not comparable to the Joe Frazier whom Ali fought in his bid to regain the world title that had been taken from him, he is a formidable opponent for any fighter having his first real competitive fight in over three years.
Wilder is himself a tall and unorthodox fighter, who has been brought along carefully for much of his career but has shown flashes of real ability at times. Wilder's most dangerous weapon is his right hand. Even though many of his opponents have been 'selected' 39 koes in 40 wins bares witness to the fact that Wilder can punch.
Since winning the WBC world heavyweight title in 2015, Wilder has often struggled to impress in his subsequent seven successful title defences. Wilder's most recent defence nine months ago against the highly touted Cuban, Luis Ortiz, was his most impressive performance as champion to date. Wilder came through a very slow start, which saw him hurt and out on his feet at one point, to finally overcome and stop Ortiz in the 10th round. The fight exposed as many weaknesses in Wilder as it did strengths, yet his ability to win after almost being knocked out, showed that there is more substance to Wilder the fighter that had been previously thought.
Nevertheless, if Fury was facing Wilder straight from his victory over Klitschko, without all the inactivity and various problems he has had in the past three years, its fair to say that he would be going into the ring a clear favourite.
At his best Fury is the far superior boxing technician, with better speed and has faced stronger opposition overall than Wilder.
Wilder is himself a tall and unorthodox fighter, who has been brought along carefully for much of his career but has shown flashes of real ability at times. Wilder's most dangerous weapon is his right hand. Even though many of his opponents have been 'selected' 39 koes in 40 wins bares witness to the fact that Wilder can punch.
Since winning the WBC world heavyweight title in 2015, Wilder has often struggled to impress in his subsequent seven successful title defences. Wilder's most recent defence nine months ago against the highly touted Cuban, Luis Ortiz, was his most impressive performance as champion to date. Wilder came through a very slow start, which saw him hurt and out on his feet at one point, to finally overcome and stop Ortiz in the 10th round. The fight exposed as many weaknesses in Wilder as it did strengths, yet his ability to win after almost being knocked out, showed that there is more substance to Wilder the fighter that had been previously thought.
Nevertheless, if Fury was facing Wilder straight from his victory over Klitschko, without all the inactivity and various problems he has had in the past three years, its fair to say that he would be going into the ring a clear favourite.
At his best Fury is the far superior boxing technician, with better speed and has faced stronger opposition overall than Wilder.
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| Wilder/Ortiz Weigh-in Photo: Bad Left Hook |
Fury will be the underdog on Saturday night because of the competitive inactivity he has experienced and the turmoil he has endured over the past three years.
While he has looked encouragingly good against Pianeta, Fury will know himself that it is a huge jump to go from fighting Pianeta to Deontay Wilder. If he had given himself another 6 months and a few more 'comeback' fights the odds would be much more in Fury's favour. But this is the boxing business, and Fury knows very well that the chance he is getting on Saturday against Wilder, may very well not be available in six months time. The reality is that Fury was given this chance because Wilders people know that this is the time to take him on, rather than wait for Fury to have a few more fights and get rid of the remaining ring rust.
In taking this chance Fury is in his own words 'daring to be great'. The fact that he is leaping into a showdown with the fighter whom Anthony Joshua has so far managed to avoid has made many people stand up and take notice.
A funny thing has also happened in the midst of Tyson Fury's comeback, like Ali during his own, now iconic, comeback, Fury is discovering a newfound popularity upon his return. Tyson's recent interviews, where he has honestly and courageously opened up about his struggle with depression and addiction has made him an unlikely spokesman for a sensitive subject which still carries a stigma for most sufferers. Tyson has said that he
While he has looked encouragingly good against Pianeta, Fury will know himself that it is a huge jump to go from fighting Pianeta to Deontay Wilder. If he had given himself another 6 months and a few more 'comeback' fights the odds would be much more in Fury's favour. But this is the boxing business, and Fury knows very well that the chance he is getting on Saturday against Wilder, may very well not be available in six months time. The reality is that Fury was given this chance because Wilders people know that this is the time to take him on, rather than wait for Fury to have a few more fights and get rid of the remaining ring rust.
In taking this chance Fury is in his own words 'daring to be great'. The fact that he is leaping into a showdown with the fighter whom Anthony Joshua has so far managed to avoid has made many people stand up and take notice.
A funny thing has also happened in the midst of Tyson Fury's comeback, like Ali during his own, now iconic, comeback, Fury is discovering a newfound popularity upon his return. Tyson's recent interviews, where he has honestly and courageously opened up about his struggle with depression and addiction has made him an unlikely spokesman for a sensitive subject which still carries a stigma for most sufferers. Tyson has said that he
wants to be a champion of the people and help bring awareness to mental health illness.
Some might say that it is too good to be true and that Tyson is simply selling a good story. However, those who have followed Fury since his early days as a fighter will know that he would talk about his struggles with depression and alcohol, long before he was even a world-class contender.
It's tempting to say that Tyson is the winner already, whether he beats Wilder or not. Sometimes victory is not measured by the result in the ring.
Wilder, on the other hand, has everything to lose. His three-year reign as WBC world heavyweight champion will be defined by Saturday night.
Some might say that it is too good to be true and that Tyson is simply selling a good story. However, those who have followed Fury since his early days as a fighter will know that he would talk about his struggles with depression and alcohol, long before he was even a world-class contender.
It's tempting to say that Tyson is the winner already, whether he beats Wilder or not. Sometimes victory is not measured by the result in the ring.
Wilder, on the other hand, has everything to lose. His three-year reign as WBC world heavyweight champion will be defined by Saturday night.
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| Time to Focus Fury Photo: ITV |
As the fight has moved closer Fury has seemed to grow increasingly more focused and more confident, while Wilder has seemed to grow increasingly angrier.
Like he did with Wladimir Klitschko prior to their fight, Tyson Fury has been playing mind games with Deontay Wilder at their pre-fight press conferences. At times Fury has been verbally running rings around Wilder in a manner that he will be looking to replicate physically in the ring on December 1st.
Wilder's inability to control his emotions at these conferences is a chink which Fury will seek to further exploit all the way to the ring at the Los Angeles Staples Center.
Boxing is much more a matter of brains, than it is brawn. For all his mental fragility away from boxing, Tyson Fury has a very strong fighter's mentality and a ring IQ that is by far the best of any heavyweight in the world today.
Tyson's greatest opponent on Saturday night will be the lack of real competition for over three years. In Wilder, he is not only fighting a man with an undeniably dangerous punch, but he is also facing a difficult boxer for him style-wise. Wilder is awkward, erratic and unpredictable. Style-wise he is a far more difficult opponent for Fury than Anthony Joshua would be.
Like he did with Wladimir Klitschko prior to their fight, Tyson Fury has been playing mind games with Deontay Wilder at their pre-fight press conferences. At times Fury has been verbally running rings around Wilder in a manner that he will be looking to replicate physically in the ring on December 1st.
Wilder's inability to control his emotions at these conferences is a chink which Fury will seek to further exploit all the way to the ring at the Los Angeles Staples Center.
Boxing is much more a matter of brains, than it is brawn. For all his mental fragility away from boxing, Tyson Fury has a very strong fighter's mentality and a ring IQ that is by far the best of any heavyweight in the world today.
Tyson's greatest opponent on Saturday night will be the lack of real competition for over three years. In Wilder, he is not only fighting a man with an undeniably dangerous punch, but he is also facing a difficult boxer for him style-wise. Wilder is awkward, erratic and unpredictable. Style-wise he is a far more difficult opponent for Fury than Anthony Joshua would be.
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| Wilder Vs. Fury Photo: Telegraph |
Fury will look to out-box and counter Wilder, who he will hope will come after him. Wilder's main chance of victory will be to catch Fury with one of his failing bombs. It is a danger which Fury will need to be aware of throughout the fight. One mistake is often all that is needed in the heavyweight division. Wilder may seek to try and out-box Fury, but if he does, Tyson's superior footwork and jab will take him to victory.
The Tyson Fury who beat Wladimir Klitschko three years ago is a level above Deontay Wilder. How far back to the boxer he was can Fury reach back on Saturday. My feeling is that if Tyson can just recapture 80% of the form he had against Klitschko, then he can out-box and perhaps even stop Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.
Victory won't necessarily make Tyson a 'great' fighter (at least not yet), but it would be a great achievement and would pave the way for what could be one of the more interesting chapters in the history of the heavyweight division. This time he may receive the plaudits which he was denied three years ago.
The Tyson Fury who beat Wladimir Klitschko three years ago is a level above Deontay Wilder. How far back to the boxer he was can Fury reach back on Saturday. My feeling is that if Tyson can just recapture 80% of the form he had against Klitschko, then he can out-box and perhaps even stop Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.
Victory won't necessarily make Tyson a 'great' fighter (at least not yet), but it would be a great achievement and would pave the way for what could be one of the more interesting chapters in the history of the heavyweight division. This time he may receive the plaudits which he was denied three years ago.
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