Tyson Fury Barks Back at Deontay Wilder!
The latter months of 2019, Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (29-0-1, 20 KO’s) has seemingly shown a declining interest in boxing. His September bout with relatively unknown Swedish boxer Otto Wallin (20-1, 13 KO’s) was tougher and bloodier than expected.
The bout was supposed to serve as his second and final tune-up before re-matching WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KO’s).
WANDERING INTERESTS
Rather than relaxing, or keeping his mind focused on boxing, the Gypsy King chose to pursue other athletic ventures. Most notably, he began participating in the WWE. There he was written into a story-line with popular WWE superstar Braun Strowman. After a few teaser appearances, Fury actually took on Strowman at the WWE’s Crown Jewel event staged in Saudi Arabia.
Evidently, the partnership was mutually beneficial. The WWE has already announced that Tyson Fury will make a return showing on their popular Friday Night SmackDown series. The blurb was posted on the WWE’s official website. Outside of his foray into the professional wrestling, Fury briefly expressed an interest in trying his hand at MMA.
These outside interests, which could directly hamper his boxing career, have folks wondering about Fury’ actual level of commitment. Further amplifying these thoughts, earlier this year he was openly thinking about retiring in the very near future.
AN UNCONVINCED FOE
Chief among those who are questioning Fury’s desire to stay in the game is none other than Deontay Wilder. For months, Wilder has stated his belief that the Gypsy King does not actually want to fight him again.
In the Bronze Bomber’s mind, his thunderous right hand not only laid Fury flat on his back, it drained him of a great deal of his will to fight. When presented with a camera, Wilder has remained anything but bashful when relaying his sentiments.
Obviously, Fury has gotten wind of what the WBC champion has been saying and he didn’t like it!
“If I was afraid of you, I wouldn’t have fought you after three years out the ring and beat you in your own country. And you had to rob me and give me a draw. So I don’t know why on Earth you would think that I’m bothered about you!”
In response to the Bombers speculations, the Gypsy King took to social media to offer his retort. In the short clip, Fury reiterates that they have a fight signed and sealed that he has no intentions on dodging. Somewhat strangely, Fury accuses Wilder of awarding himself the draw in their premiere clash. Clearly, it’s impossible for Wilder, or any fighter, to do such a thing.
WHO’S REALLY THE MAN?
Fury, in another odd statement, also accused Wilder of using his name to build his profile. Most folks believe that the only reason that Fury is venturing into the WWE and flirting with these side projects in the first place is to build his own profile. In fact, when looking at his two fights since facing Wilder, Fury’s star power has apparently declined.
His fight with Wallin sustained a significant dip in tickets sold. In what became a rather notorious story, Team Fury gave away more tickets to that particular fight than they sold. Given the apparent scramble to raise his own profile up and clear deterioration in drawing power, his accusation is almost comical.
Yet, before they even have the opportunity to fight once again, Wilder must first defeat Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (31-1, 26 KO’s). The two will collide on November 23 in a rematch of their exciting, back-and-forth March 3, 2018 war. With Ortiz’s heavy hands, steep ring-IQ and high technical ability, it simply isn’t safe to assume that Wilder will win.
Provided that he does though, it will be interesting to see if Fury actually steps up to the plate or heads for the hills as the Bronze Bomber has proclaimed that he would do.
By: Bakari Simpson
