Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury may need to do it again
The Staples Center was electric for one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Would the right hand of Deontay Wilder allow him to retain his title or would the technical ability of Tyson Fury allow him to reclaim his throne.
The Recap
Well, from the opening bell, it was apparent this would not be an easy fight for the champion. Fury showed why he is one of the more gifted heavyweights mentally and physically. Wilder had the correct game-plan early; get the jab going and dictate the pace behind volume.
However, Fury’s enhanced IQ allowed him to make the necessary adjustment. He would incorporate the same game-plan he did that made him a lineal champion in 2015 after defeating Wladimir Klitschko. He setup everything with the jab from a distance, used his superior footwork and upper-body movement to elude incoming shots and provide angles by pivoting.
The problem with Wilder would be his dependance on landing one shot. There were times where he would clearly be loading up on his right hand and Fury would see it coming a mile away. Additionally, as he has done so many times in the past, he would abandon the jab and swing wildly, hoping to land something.
As he fight wore on, it was clear the champion was being thoroughly out-boxed and out-witted. Wilder himself realized through his wild swings that he only had a puncher’s chance. The probability of him winning by outboxing the former champion was minute.
A Glimmer of Hope
Hope came alive as he would land a right hook above the ear on the British fighter, sending him to canvas in the ninth round. The crowd went crazy expecting another Wilder knockout win, however, the former lineal champion would recover quickly and actually turned the tide in the round to where one could actually score the round even.
Fury would continue to dominate until round twelve, where Wilder would land another straight right hand above the ear. As Fury’s legs buckled, the champion would follow up with a left hook that floored the former champion flat on his back.
This time it had to be over! Fury looked to be out and the crowd went wild anticipating a stoppage. However, Fury shocked everyone watching when he rose to his feet. Referee Jack Reiss would examine him closely, making him walk to a neutral corner to assess his ability to continue.
He would wave the fight on and Wilder would give his all to finish his foe. A counter left hook rocked the champion, which caused him to take his foot off the gas ultimately leading to the fight going the distance.
In The End
What looked to be a hard-earned victory in one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history turned out out to be mired in controversy. The final judges scored the fight 115-111 for Wilder, 114-110 for Fury and 113-113 in a split-draw.
3kingsboixng.com scored the fight 115-111 for Fury. A rematch clause is set for the two to do it again. The combatants have agreed to meet again, but honestly, is it worth it if fans have to witness another controversial decision if there is no knockout?
By: EJ Williams
