Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury 2 set!
Well, all the waiting and speculation can finally be put to bed. Via his various social media accounts, WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-0-1, 41 KO’s) has formally announced his highly anticipated rematch with Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury (29-0-1, 20 KO’s).
The two big men will have their opportunity to settle their beef on February 22 under the hot lights of the MGM Grand.
CANTANKEROUS PAST
The long odyssey between the rival boxers began well back on December 1, 2018 where they first went head to head in the Staples Center. The greater bulk of those who saw the fight felt as though Fury dominated.
Utilizing this unorthodox, herky-jerky boxing style the Gypsy King was able to largely keep Wilder at bay and rack up points.
The real controversy arose in the twelfth round. This is when the Bronze Bomber caught Fury flush and laid him flat on his back. In follow-up interviews, even Fury himself would admit that he was knocked out cold in the ring.
Nevertheless, the Gypsy King through some miraculous feat was able to beat the count. Ever since the prizefight, die-hard Wilder supporters have accused referee Jack Reiss of displaying unprofessional bias. After finding his feet the Gypsy King finished the period strong.
When the cards were ultimately read the pair of pugilists were saddled with a dissatisfying draw. In the direct aftermath, it was decided that Wilder and Fury would stage an immediate do-over.
Well that was until Fury scrapped that plan, jumped ship and joined allegiance with Top Rank and ESPN. The unforeseen move, which many view as a duck, only served to strengthen the fighters discord with one another.
FISTIC FUTURE
Wilder, Fury, and their respective teams have openly talked about being locked in to a rematch for some time. There are even plenty of unsubstantiated rumors stating that there are stipulations already in place for a rubber match. Yet, despite all the chatter, the formal announcement was slow in the coming.
The rather tardy announcement led to a large contingent of people to think that it might not happen. High profile names such as Eddie Hearn were quick to point out his belief that the rematch would fall apart.
However, this is the same thing that the Matchroom Boxing promoter said about the premiere bout. It appears that he was wrong on both accounts.
It will be interesting to see if Wilder can correct his previous errors and clip the Gypsy King earlier. Or will the unpredictable wild man from the UK work his silky boxing magic again?
Has Wilder learned anything useful and worthwhile in his dust-ups with Dominic Breazeale and Luis Ortiz? Will the physical damage that Fury sustained against Otto Wallin play a role in the rematch?
Who knows?
However, all these interesting questions and more will be answered on February 22!
3kingsboxing will be sure to continue providing all the latest information on this thrilling prizefight.
By: Bakari Simpson
