Tyson Fury defeats Deontay Wilder to retain WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas

[MenInG]

Deontay Wilder is an "atomic bomb" of a fighter and the "most dangerous heavyweight out there" says Tyson Fury as he prepares for their trilogy fight.

American Wilder was knocked out by WBC champion Fury in February 2020 after their first contest ended in a draw.

"A lot of people are writing Wilder off in this fight," said 33-year old Fury before Saturday's Las Vegas bout.

"They almost look at him like he's a bum. Like he can't fight and he's useless. You can't write him off."

The defeat by Fury is Wilder's sole loss on his professional record and the Briton, who goes into the fight as the clear favourite, is aiming to extend his undefeated streak to 32 fights.

"Make no mistake about this, Deontay Wilder is the most dangerous heavyweight out there," added Fury. "Combine them all together and they don't make a danger like Wilder.

"So that's what I'm messing with. I'm playing with an atomic bomb, messing round, clipping wires.

"Every time you go into the ring with Deontay Wilder you're playing with that danger.

"This is the third time now I've been in the ring with him and every single time he's been very dangerous. He's a very dangerous hombre with big, big power and he can close the distance quickly.

"With most boxers they need to hit you with five punches, with Wilder he can hit you with a quarter punch and knock you spark out."

Wilder, 35, is not expected to radically alter his game plan when they meet at approximately 04:00 BST on Sunday, but Fury insisted the American is "tailor-made" as his most dangerous opponent.

Speaking at a BT Sport Box Office event Fury said: "Wilder's my most dangerous fight since (Wladimir) Klitschko.

"Klitschko was my most dangerous hurdle to overcome. Once I got that guy out of the way I always knew Wilder would be my most dangerous opponent no matter who I fought.

"Klitschko would be the first danger, no one compared to him. And then the second danger would be Wilder in my second career. That's what we're messing with - my ultimate danger man.

"If you could design any fighter to be able to compete with me as a boxer then it would be Deontay Wilder. He's the most dangerous out of all of them.

"The rest of them are all tailor-made for me. They're not dangerous, they're just boxers."

The trilogy fight was originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on 24 July but was postponed after Fury tested positive for coronavirus.

 

[MenInG]

British world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says his achievements in the sport have already made him a boxing "great" and that his love of fighting is what motivates him to continue.

The unbeaten 33-year-old defends his WBC title against American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas over the weekend.

It will be their third fight after a draw in 2018 before Fury gained a seventh-round win in the 2020 rematch.

"If I didn't have any more fights I would not regret anything," said Fury.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Boxing podcast, he added: "I'm not fighting to be the greatest of all time, I'm not fighting to be a legend.

"It wouldn't benefit me earning another £50m or £200m, you don't need to be rich to live my life - I'm just a normal person who is very good at boxing and a very special, chosen person.

"I could walk away and never look at boxing again and what I've done could never be taken away.

"People would always remember the enigmatic Tyson Fury, the crazy man who fought everybody, the biggest punchers in our generation didn't faze him, went across the pond, fought [Wladimir] Klitschko in Germany.

"Even if I had no belts I would still be the biggest fight out there."

Fury, with 30 wins and one draw, has not fought since a superb display in February 2020 in his second bout with Wilder that saw him knock the American down twice before the towel came in from Wilder's corner.

"What motivates me? I'm getting asked this a lot," said Fury. "It's definitely not a few quid, it's a fact there's nothing else.

"I'm boxing because I can - I don't enjoy anything else, I don't have any hobbies. After boxing I will be a very sad, lonely person.

"I've tried [looking after] animals, four-wheeled driving, got a shotgun licence, clay pigeon shooting, nothing turns me on."

Fury became world champion in November 2015 with a points win over Klitschko, but did not fight for more than two years as his weight went up to 28 stone and he struggled with mental health issues.

But he says he now knows what makes him happy.

"I've drunk all the beer in the world and done everything," he added. "I've been on boats, planes, automobiles, stayed in luxury hotels, had dinners for two or three grand, does it make me happy? No. While you are searching for stuff like that you never find happiness but with simplicity you always can.

"I will never be a politician, the Prime Minister of England or a rocket scientist. I will always be myself, I don't want to change my circles.

"I will always train, until I die. I've got a gym in Morecambe and a massive training facility. When I end boxing I will go full-time with the gym and the foundation stuff. I've not had the time, I'm flat out with my career but I'll spend a lot of time doing that."

Fury 'learns so fast'

Trainer SugarHill Steward believes Fury is still improving, which is one of the reasons why he still enjoys the sport.

Steward said: "The things we did in the second fight, those things have improved greatly. Tyson has incredible ability around the board in every category so it's just improving them and he learns so fast."

Wilder, 35, suffered the only professional loss of his career against Fury, who is expecting a great fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the contest set to start at 04:00 BST on Sunday, 10 October.

"We both know what we can do, there's no secrets," said Fury. "I'm dealing with a guy that can knock you out with one punch and he's dealing with the same.

"When you have the two biggest heavyweights going for it on the biggest stage you are always in for an exciting night. The heavyweight landscape can change in seconds and it's up to me to keep it on track and not let it change."

Fury has 30 wins and one draw in his 31-fight professional career, with 21 victories inside the distance
'Boxing's not a sensible sport'

Fury looked set for a summer fight with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, before a court arbitration ruled that Fury had to fight Wilder instead.

Since then, Joshua has lost his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles to Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk, ending hopes of an all-British fight to be the undisputed champion.

Fury's co-promoter Bob Arum believes Usyk, not Joshua, should be Fury's next opponent.

"What should happen is Tyson wins, he fights Usyk next for the titles with the provision that whoever wins fights Joshua," said Arum.

"If this was a sensible sport that's what would happen, but it's not. You have [Joshua's promoter] Eddie Hearn's ego, Anthony Joshua's ego, Frank [Warren] saying things.

"You would have Usyk fight Tyson in February and in September the winner fights Joshua - none of this if you lose you have to give my guy a rematch."

Fury helping Joshua?
Joshua has already said he will take a rematch with Usyk and Fury believes the Briton could win.

"A lot of people that don't know about boxing were saying the smaller guy [Usyk] would get beaten by Joshua," said Fury.

"Do I think he could beat Usyk? Definitely, if me and SugarHill trained him for it, we could give him the victory, then I wouldn't be able to train him for a fight with me."

BBC

 

[The_KING]

Fury, because he is simply a better and more intelligent boxer.

 

[MenInG]

Getting repetitive these bouts!

Need some new blood in boxing.

 

[IMMY69]

Wilder or a draw and then bring on 100m dollar fight IV.

Sorry but I became cynic after the Ben vs Eubanks fight II and the Holyfield v Lewis fight I

 

[shaz619]

Getting repetitive these bouts!

Need some new blood in boxing.

It’s not repetitive at all, Lamotta and Robinson fought 6 times and it was one of the most iconic rivalries in the history of the sport.

In this era, it’s rare to see top 2/3 elite fighters facing each other, let alone multiple times, so this is one mouthwatering styles clash, the first two encounters were both thrilling and I expect another spectacle, Fury may be the master technician but Wilder is statistically the biggest puncher in HW boxing and easily the most dangerous fighter in the division with his great god given equaliser, in my view; if there is a HW boxer who had a realistic chance to beat Fury in the division, it would not be AJ, Usyk or Whyte; it would be Wilder.

 

[shaz619]

Wilder or a draw and then bring on 100m dollar fight IV.

Sorry but I became cynic after the Ben vs Eubanks fight II and the Holyfield v Lewis fight I

I know where you are going with that but if we ignore it then one of the biggest factors which makes this fight interesting is the level of inactivity between the two!

 

[IMMY69]

I know where you are going with that but if we ignore it then one of the biggest factors which makes this fight interesting is the level of inactivity between the two!

That is so true... with two active fighters, Fury would win 9.99 out of 10 times...

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury 'doesn't care' if Deontay Wilder stays silent at their press conference and insists 'mind games don't work!'

Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder's mind games 'don't work' and has shrugged off suggestions that his American rival will stay silent in their final press conference.

Fury will be reunited with Wilder, in front of the watching media on Wednesday, ahead of their WBC heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas this weekend.

The American refused to utter another word after a brief opening speech at a previous press conference, but Fury insists Wilder is unable to unsettle him ahead of their trilogy clash.

"I don't care what they do. None of my business," Fury told Sky Sports.

"I keep my own business to myself and I don't really care what that big dosser does, nothing.

"I don't care what he does. If he talks or he doesn't. It doesn't make any difference to me.

"Mind games don't work with me anyway."

Wilder has been working with new head trainer Malik Scott, who has predicted that the Alabama man will avenge his stoppage defeat in their second fight with a stunning knockout.

But Fury, a two-time world champion with a 31-fight unbeaten record, has warned Wilder that he will dictate the final result.

"I don't think it matters, what he does, because it's not about him, it's about me, what I do," he said.

"It wouldn't matter if he ran around the ring in a circle, if he comes forward throwing bombs.

"It doesn't make any difference. When we're in there, I'll adjust to whatever it is on the night and what he's going to do.

"Winning is winning. An inch or a mile. I'll take a knockout or I'll take a points victory.

"It doesn't matter, as long as you get the win, you move on to the next one."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-taunts-wilder-i-dont-care-if-you-talk-or-not

 

[MenInG]

They meet in Las Vegas this weekend with Fury, 33, making the first defence of his WBC world heavyweight title.

Wilder, 35, suffered a technical knockout defeat by the Briton 20 months ago, after their first fight was drawn.

The American made a string of bizarre excuses for the loss and Price said it was "a dangerous game to play".

Wilder, who was beaten for the first time in his professional career, claimed Fury "cheated" by tampering with his gloves and that his own ring-walk outfit was too heavy and drained him of his energy.

Price, a former heavyweight himself, says Wilder's excuses are baffling, but said he did not think he was trying to play mind games.

"I don't think it's an act because he's been doing it since the second fight," he said on the BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing podcast.

"It's gone on too long to be an act. He really believes in himself.

"Sometimes people lie to themselves so much they end up believing it. It's a bit of confirmation bias where you tell yourself things to make you believe it. That's where he's at.

"Instead of admitting to his mistakes and shortcomings, and trying to improve on what went wrong, he's not wrong. It's a bit narcissistic to think like that."

Whyte, who hopes to fight for the WBC title next, echoed Price's thoughts, saying it was hard to tell exactly where Wilder was mentally.

"It's a really interesting one this time because we don't know where Wilder's at or Fury's at," he said.

"You've give the edge to Fury, but a lot of things have happened in the middle, like personal things.

"Wilder, we don't know if he's recovered at all because he went on this crazy run of blaming stuff. He was acting crazy.

"We don't know where they're at fully. The smart money would pick Fury to win again, but something inside of me is saying Wilder might spring a surprise on us."

'It's very experimental'

Wilder sacked his coach Mark Breland after the second Fury fight. Breland was the man to throw in the towel for Wilder in the seventh round and the former WBC champion was fuming with his trainer after the bout.

Former heavyweight turned trainer Malik Scott has been promoted within Wilder's team to take over from Breland and has been vocal about the changes made since the defeat.

Wilder knocked out Scott in 96 seconds in 2014 when he was still fighting and Price admitted it was strange to see Scott take charge as a leading coach.

"Mark Breland was a proven trainer, took him all the way to the WBC title," he said.

"You don't know whether they're trying to do something a little bit different, think outside the box.

"You can never judge a trainer by how good a fighter he was. Most trainers couldn't cut the mustard as a fighter.

"Malik Scott is completely untested as a trainer, so it's very experimental what they're doing. I don't know if he's ever worked a corner before.

"But if they've gelled on a personal level and a boxing level, then you've got to respect it and see how it plays out."

'Fury coming into his prime'

While Whyte thinks Wilder is capable of springing a surprise, Price is confident Fury will see out the trilogy with another devastating performance.

"Wilder has got the power to knock Fury out," Price said.

"That's always going to be there. But Fury is not the type of fighter who will make the same mistake twice. His tactics in the second fight were perfect. He fought fire with fire.

"I think Fury is coming to his prime, he's going to be at his peak, so I think similar tactics to last time.

"He's just got to look out for that right hand, with someone who has reflexes like Fury, as long as he stays switched on, he can win the fight hands down again."

BBC

 

[KingKhanWC]

Getting repetitive these bouts!

Need some new blood in boxing.

Heavyweight boxing isnt what is used to be. There is only two HW boxers who are great boxers, Fury and Uysk.

Wilder can win any bout, against anyone if he lands his big right hand, power is the last thing a boxer loses. Wilder has been training much more harder, understands he needs to move around the ring in better fashion to set up his big right hand. I think Wilder will be more dangerous, Fury being knocked out clean is very much possible.

Fury is the far superiour boxer, his skills are on another level. If he fights with his brain again, doesnt get caught with a big shot, should be another victory.

I would say Fury win but have a feeling Wilder will do something spectacular. Will be a far better watch than AJ v Uysk.

 

[Savak]

Wilder has been more hungry, focused, training non stop in the gym. Fury has been celebrating the party, celebrity life and is not as hungry, scared this time. Hope Wilder redeems himself.

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder III: Briton tells American rival 'your legacy is in bits'

Tyson Fury goaded Deontay Wilder into a shouting match at the final news conference before their trilogy fight.

They meet in Las Vegas this weekend with Fury making the first defence of his WBC world heavyweight title.

A tense affair erupted during the closing statements as Fury insisted Wilder's legacy was tarnished.

"You're in denial and you're getting knocked out. Do yourself a favour and retire from boxing. Your legacy is in bits," Fury said.

"Even all your excuses have been destroyed. You're a weak man."

Wilder rose to the taunts and insisted his opponent had no power over him.

"I don't have to fight another day in my life, I am good - can you say the same thing? Nervous energy," he replied as Fury insulted him.

"My family have an understanding, my children have an understanding, that daddy has a dangerous job - no other sport has claimed as many lives as boxing, they understand."

With tensions rising, the face-off was abandoned as Top Rank boss Bob Arum shouted from the side of the stage that there was to be no staredown.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/58817896

 

[shaz619]

Wilder has been more hungry, focused, training non stop in the gym. Fury has been celebrating the party, celebrity life and is not as hungry, scared this time. Hope Wilder redeems himself.

He could be many things but scared is not one of them, fighting Wilder after a long period away as a comeback tune up in poor condition takes unprecedented courage and determination, it has never happened in Boxing before where the inactive former champion returns without defeat in an immediate championship fight and now they will do battle for the third time, regardless of who is victorious; among the top 2/3 both Fury/Wilder deserve admiration for facing each other, Fury - given how destructive Wilder is and Wilder - for facing a master boxer for a third time and also forcing the rematch clause despite how he was defeated last time. In terms of how focussed Wilder has been this time round, I certainly agree with that, it will be interesting to see the adjustments he makes

 

[shaz619]

Heavyweight boxing isnt what is used to be. There is only two HW boxers who are great boxers, Fury and Uysk.

Wilder can win any bout, against anyone if he lands his big right hand, power is the last thing a boxer loses. Wilder has been training much more harder, understands he needs to move around the ring in better fashion to set up his big right hand. I think Wilder will be more dangerous, Fury being knocked out clean is very much possible.

Fury is the far superiour boxer, his skills are on another level. If he fights with his brain again, doesnt get caught with a big shot, should be another victory.

I would say Fury win but have a feeling Wilder will do something spectacular. Will be a far better watch than AJ v Uysk.

What Usyk has achieved so early in the Heavyweight division was special, but I’d rank him higher if he wins the rematch. I’ve seen him ranked just behind Fury among some respectable publications but in my view you need multiple high level performances in a division or consistency over a stretch against top contenders or a bit of both. He deserves to be up there with Canelo in the context of P4P ranking though.

Considering the inactivity and clash of styles, it could be another toss of a coin! I wouldn’t be confident enough to place a wager on this one

 

[shaz619]

The odds seem to swing against Fury prior to high profile bouts although on this occasion his turbulent and far from perfect camp has come into the spotlight, be it the breakdown of the AJ fight, time spent in quarantine due to Covid or the difficult personal situation involving his new born in intensive care, this has also meant time spent away from a stop/start training camp and time with Steward. He’s far from in the best condition to and the inactivity will factor in to. However, this also shows that at the same time the pedigree of Wilder is highly respected despite the ridicule over the years for his technique, they can mock him but you will be biting your nails for placing any wager against him and he couldn’t have wished for a better training camp on this occasion and I see this situation playing in his favour.Super excited for this thrilling encounter between two of the best of their era.

 

[shortbread]

If Fury's heart is still in it, then he wins it hands down. Wilder will not be in the contest, his lower half is like a bendy rubber stick. If he takes a punch Wilder will not be able to stay upright, his legs will buckle. Also Wilder is physically slow, he moves like a much older boxer and gasses out after delivering a decent combo.

The only advantage with the American is that he's driven and focussed while the stuff between Fury's ears can be inconsistent. But Fury is simply in a different league altogether as a boxer.

The golden era of heavyweight boxing is back, Fury, Usyk, AJ, Wilder, Jo Joyce etc...

Jo Joyce is severely underrated, the guy's head is made of concrete. Can take tremendous punishment and keep dishing it out.

 

[KingKhanWC]

What Usyk has achieved so early in the Heavyweight division was special, but I’d rank him higher if he wins the rematch. I’ve seen him ranked just behind Fury among some respectable publications but in my view you need multiple high level performances in a division or consistency over a stretch against top contenders or a bit of both. He deserves to be up there with Canelo in the context of P4P ranking though.

Considering the inactivity and clash of styles, it could be another toss of a coin! I wouldn’t be confident enough to place a wager on this one

Yes, I don't think this 3rd fight will be easy for Fury. Wilder looks in amazing shape, he is going for power in both hands. There is no doubt he will land but if he lands clean or flush on the chin he will KO Fury this time imo. Fury doesn't seem to in the right mind frame, he has a poorly child, a few arguments with his family so isn't as focused as before.

Its 3-1 for Wilder to win by KO, a lot of money will be placed on this. Fury is smart, if he can withstand the powerful big right or uppercuts, he should be able to outbox him again.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Wilder KO

 

[Last Monetarist]

Would be surprised if Fury wins.

 

[mazkhan]

Fury looked switched on in the weigh in

As long as he is switched on and his mind is stable, he'll win for me , a much better boxer technically than wilder.

But fury is carrying a lot of problems baby daughter ill , also doesn't look in the best of shape don't think he has trained to well unlike wilder who looks ripped.

 

[Dios]

What a fight! Fury is officially one of the GOATs. Credit to Wilder as well, despite his legs giving up on him he was still throwing some furious shots and wanted to keep going.

 

[MenInG]

Tyson Fury delivered a thrilling 11th-round knockout against Deontay Wilder to retain his WBC heavyweight crown as their trilogy bout produced another classic on an electric night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Twenty months since Fury dethroned the American, the 33-year-old had to show all his resolve and resilience to extend his undefeated professional record to 32 fights after twice being floored in the fourth round.

Fury sent his opponent sprawling in an explosive third, only to see Wilder recover and the Briton found himself on the end of the Bronze Bomber's huge right hand twice in quick succession.

Wilder was hanging on by the end of the seventh but was still in a gruelling fight come the 10th, when Fury knocked him down once more, before delivering the final blow in the 11th to bring this particular chapter of heavyweight boxing to a close.

"I was down a couple of times, I was hurt, Wilder is a strong puncher," said Fury.

"It was a great fight. I will not make any excuses, Wilder is a top fighter, he gave me a run for my money. I always say I am the best fighter in the world and he is the second best.

"Don't ever doubt me. When the chips are down I can always deliver."

This might not have been the fight Fury wanted but, after a controversial draw in their first meeting in 2018 and seventh-round stoppage from Fury last time out, it again delivered the blockbuster battle the Las Vegas crowd was craving.

Tensions had been simmering throughout fight week and only continued to bubble as Wilder's delayed entrance left the arena waiting, before the lights finally went down and the American, who listed his elaborate and heavy ring-walk outfit as one of the excuses for his loss to Fury last year, emerged in a more understated fur-lined gown.

But what's a few minutes when this classic tussle was more than a year in the making?

Fury, dressed as a Roman centurion, followed to a backdrop of AC/DC as both fighters stepped inside the ropes for the first time since their explosive meeting at the MGM Grand in February 2020.

That was pre-pandemic and the Morecambe-based boxer was buoyed by the thousands of UK fans who had flooded to Las Vegas to support their charge, but travel restrictions meant there was never going to be the boisterous following for the British hopeful this time.

But the local support could not help but be wowed by Fury once more as he again proved that, despite finding himself on the canvas, you can never write this man off.

Wilder came out looking to dictate from the opening bell with a series of jabs to the body as Fury took his time to size up a remodelled opponent, one new trainer Malik Scott says has more in his tool box than previously shown.

But it was Fury who then began to dominate and a huge left-right combination sent Wilder to the ground.

The 35-year-old survived the count and, rejuvenated by the bell, felled Fury with a mammoth right of his own and followed with another to send the champion tumbling once more in the same round as the anticipation of an upset grew.

Fury, though, rose from there on and a determined Wilder was hanging on for several rounds before the champion finally landed a right that ended the fight after 11 enthralling rounds.

BBC

 

[ElRaja]

brillaint fight, fury is atg level, and will go down in history with the best heavy weights. great to see wilder come out with a game plan, gave fury a stern test and forced him to adapt, which shows how good he is. 5 knockdowns in one fight is mental. wilder is easily the second best heavy weight tho, i dont think anyone could have stood up to the consistent punishment fury was meting out.

only shame is that it looks like the end of this heavyweight era. josh is not same level as these guys. usyk is brilliant but cannot compete against someone as big as fury or a puncher like wilder. it was a good few years, still expect a few more decent fights but it wont be like these two.

 

[James]

A thrilling bout, and Tyson Fury is just absolutely brilliant. Such an intelligent mover in the ring, with unbelievably imposing size and reach, and he has my personal favourite trait in a boxer — a huge heart. He would be strongly competitive in any era.

 

[shaz619]

Let's get one thing out of the way first, that was one of Fury's worst performances in his career! especially in the first half of the fight and in contrast - Wilder's best possible performance on the day, despite this; Fury still won and that too after an extremely poor training camp and he wasn't even in the best condition. I was concerend at times if he would be able to get up with all the extra weight he was carrying.

I don't even need to break this fight down technically given the manner of victory or explain the brilliance of Fury at this point but you've to give both men credit for their tremendous warrior spirit and heart, they cemeneted themselves as the best of their era.

Fury, am sure much like Ali during the early part of his career will always have so many people who continue to write him off and discredit his monumental achievements which have rarely been achieved in the sport. But after today, it would be nonsensical to overlook his status as an all time great heavyweight and even before today; for overall skill and ability alone, he's the most multi-dimensional and versatile Heavyweight boxer since Muhammad Ali and his mental strength / ability to overcome adversity whether in or out the squared circle is arguably the greatest ever.

 

[shaz619]

Speaking of the fight itself, I said it would be thrilling! and my god was it just that. Had me on the edge throughout and gasping for air when these warriors were doing battle! it's one of the most entertaining heavyweight bouts of all time and may have been the best watching live, every second was riveting given the dynamic between the two fighters

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Make no mistake about it. Deontay has been a great champion. Before meeting Fury, his record was bloody great. He had the kind of one punch power that precious few have ever possessed. Sure, he's not a great technical boxer but at the heavyweight division, punching power is very underrated especially when you have a murderous right like Wilder's. For what it's worth, his punches are more explosive and he had greater boxing ability than someone like George Foreman (1st run) but unfortunately boxing, like every other sport will wax lyrical about fighters from a supposed "golden" era while downplaying the present.

I think his career is over now but Deontay's legacy as the most fearsome heavyweight of the 2010's is now etched in boxing history.

 

[Suleiman]

Let's get one thing out of the way first, that was one of Fury's worst performances in his career! especially in the first half of the fight and in contrast - Wilder's best possible performance on the day, despite this; Fury still won and that too after an extremely poor training camp and he wasn't even in the best condition. I was concerend at times if he would be able to get up with all the extra weight he was carrying.

I don't even need to break this fight down technically given the manner of victory or explain the brilliance of Fury at this point but you've to give both men credit for their tremendous warrior spirit and heart, they cemeneted themselves as the best of their era.

Fury, am sure much like Ali during the early part of his career will always have so many people who continue to write him off and discredit his monumental achievements which have rarely been achieved in the sport. But after today, it would be nonsensical to overlook his status as an all time great heavyweight and even before today; for overall skill and ability alone, he's the most multi-dimensional and versatile Heavyweight boxer since Muhammad Ali and his mental strength / ability to overcome adversity whether in or out the squared circle is arguably the greatest ever.

I rarely buy fights, but am thankful that I purchased each and every bout of this trilogy to watch live. Wilder just got too muscular and got gassed out super early. Tyson of last year would’ve finished him in round 3, but as you said, his prep for this fight was poor, and some circumstances of that were beyond his control.

Still, Wilder gained a lot of respect for not giving up, and easy to tell he did make adjustments after his last defeat. But his best was still not enough for Tyson’s worst. A master tactician. Usyk/Joshua v Fury will be insane. I just hope it happens

We’re in the presence of an ATG. People’s champion.

 

[Suleiman]

Make no mistake about it. Deontay has been a great champion. Before meeting Fury, his record was bloody great. He had the kind of one punch power that precious few have ever possessed. Sure, he's not a great technical boxer but at the heavyweight division, punching power is very underrated especially when you have a murderous right like Wilder's. For what it's worth, his punches are more explosive and he had greater boxing ability than someone like George Foreman (1st run) but unfortunately boxing, like every other sport will wax lyrical about fighters from a supposed "golden" era while downplaying the present.

I think his career is over now but Deontay's legacy as the most fearsome heavyweight of the 2010's is now etched in boxing history.

Agreed. People get blinded by nostalgia all the time in sports. One of if not the greatest trilogies in boxing history.

 

[shaz619]

Make no mistake about it. Deontay has been a great champion. Before meeting Fury, his record was bloody great. He had the kind of one punch power that precious few have ever possessed. Sure, he's not a great technical boxer but at the heavyweight division, punching power is very underrated especially when you have a murderous right like Wilder's. For what it's worth, his punches are more explosive and he had greater boxing ability than someone like George Foreman (1st run) but unfortunately boxing, like every other sport will wax lyrical about fighters from a supposed "golden" era while downplaying the present.

I think his career is over now but Deontay's legacy as the most fearsome heavyweight of the 2010's is now etched in boxing history.

Agreed. People get blinded by nostalgia all the time in sports. One of if not the greatest trilogies in boxing history.

It’s the opposite in a way, modern opinion doesn’t overly favour the golden generation compared to this era primarily due to how sports science has evolved and especially the size of Heavyweights, it’s a pretty non-sensical argument really which some push due to do other sports this century but it can’t be applied to Boxing, otherwise logic would then assume Usyk should have failed spectacularly against Joshua 9/10. In any case fantasy match ups are what they are but Wilder does receive plaudits for his freakish power but isn’t so popular in the US because he wasn’t promoted that well early on and his technique is hideous - the less said about his delusional views the better, but his fans don’t need to focus on that, because he never needed to have basic fundamentals to be successful. Speaking of Foreman, he wasn’t exactly a technician himself but he was phenomenal at cutting of the ring and trapping opponents with his quick feet, under rated jab and varied offence with both hands at body and head, you can compare their power but Wilder does not have as many tools in his box and his wide stance and claw guard are very unorthodox, but at the same time they play into setting up his devastating right hand and he deserves to be rated amongst the biggest punchers in Heavyweight history.

 

[shaz619]

[

I rarely buy fights, but am thankful that I purchased each and every bout of this trilogy to watch live. Wilder just got too muscular and got gassed out super early. Tyson of last year would’ve finished him in round 3, but as you said, his prep for this fight was poor, and some circumstances of that were beyond his control.

Still, Wilder gained a lot of respect for not giving up, and easy to tell he did make adjustments after his last defeat. But his best was still not enough for Tyson’s worst. A master tactician. Usyk/Joshua v Fury will be insane. I just hope it happens

We’re in the presence of an ATG. People’s champion.

Same here, I was on the edge for every second, I totally agree with Fury when he rates Wilder as his toughest opponent and even now, I don’t feel as though I’d give any other fighter a better chance to beat him then Wilder. As a famous fighter once said, everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face, he came out looking good and when he got caught reverted to type but then managed to drop Fury when he stood far too square, he knocked out Ortiz with the same shot. Wilder did carry too much weight but it was a ploy because they knew Fury would look to use his physicality against the smaller fighter to sap the energy out of Wilder so they wanted to try to have that extra weight to fight out of the clinch on the inside and the other thing was, he trained for the spectacular KO within 1-6, but like most punchers, as you said they gas.

Agree he won some respect but he’s such a sore loser that he is managing to tarnish all the praise and goodwill for him that has come out of the fight with his lack of respect, am not surprised Americans don’t like him apart from BLM.

In the end this is about Fury’s moment and his all time great status, hopefully he gets more cred on our Island to.

 

[IMMY69]

I didn't buy it... now I wish I had...

Looking forward to seeing the full fight highlights

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder refused to show 'sportsmanship' after he knocked out the American in third fight

Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder did not want to show "sportsmanship or respect" after he had knocked out the American in their third WBC heavyweight title fight.

The British star finally ended his lengthy saga with Wilder after inflicting a crushing knockout in the 11th round to retain his WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas.

But Fury has accused Wilder of rejecting his words of respect when he went to the American's corner after the fight.

"I'm not going to make any excuses, Wilder is a top fighter," said Fury.

"He gave me a real run for my money tonight, and I always said I'm the best in the world and he's the second best.

"He's got no love for me, Deontay Wilder, because you know why, because I beat him three times.

"I'm a sportsman. I went over to him to show some love and respect and he didn't want to give it back. That's his problem."

Revealing their verbal exchange, Fury told BT Sport Box Office: "I just said well done and he said, 'I don't want to show any sportsmanship or respect.' I said, 'No problem.'

"Very surprised. Sore loser, an idiot.

"To be a top fighting man, you've got to show guts and respect, and he couldn't do it tonight, and that was it."

Fury had floored Wilder in the third round, but was dropped twice himself in the fourth, before he knocked down the Alabama man again in the 10th and then dramatically ended the fight.

"I've got to say thank you to my trainer Sugarhill, because if it wasn't for Sugar, America's own, Detroit's own, I wouldn't have got through that fight tonight," said Fury.

"He told me. He said, 'Get your jab working big dog, and throw that right hand down the middle. Only the big dogs pull it out late on in fights.'

"I said, 'Yes, I've got you,' and I went and pulled it out of the bag."

Fury preserved his 32-fight unbeaten record, strengthening his status as the division's leading champion after Anthony Joshua lost his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in last month's unanimous decision defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.

"I'm now the greatest heavyweight of my era, without a doubt," said Fury.

"No 1. Look what I've done.

"I've come to America my last six fights and fought the most devastating puncher in the history of our sport.

"Not once, not twice, but three times."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...er-he-knocked-out-the-american-in-third-fight

 

[shortbread]

Now that the euphoria has died down, it's one of the best one sided matches I have seen. Fury doesn't really rate Wilder as an opponent and it seemed that way in his preparations, guess what he was right. Wilder is nowhere close to being the fighter Fury is, the latter is a one trick pony.

Wilder was just throwing punches hoping one will land, one did and that was it. The only thing that made this fight entertaining was Wilders heart, he gave it all.

 

[shaz619]

Now that the euphoria has died down, it's one of the best one sided matches I have seen. Fury doesn't really rate Wilder as an opponent and it seemed that way in his preparations, guess what he was right. Wilder is nowhere close to being the fighter Fury is, the latter is a one trick pony.

Wilder was just throwing punches hoping one will land, one did and that was it. The only thing that made this fight entertaining was Wilders heart, he gave it all.

It’s a bit harsh on Wilder, he was humiliated and battered physically, mentally and tactically on every level possible - they weren’t going to throw in the towel and you could argue the fight should have been stopped much earlier especially in the second half. However, you’re a bit harsh considering he dropped Fury twice in a round which no one else had done before and could have finished the fight potentially at that time, he may have that one trick but it’s all he has ever required and it would work 99% of the time but here he was up against a truly special all time great heavyweight.

 

[shortbread]

It’s a bit harsh on Wilder, he was humiliated and battered physically, mentally and tactically on every level possible - they weren’t going to throw in the towel and you could argue the fight should have been stopped much earlier especially in the second half. However, you’re a bit harsh considering he dropped Fury twice in a round which no one else had done before and could have finished the fight potentially at that time, he may have that one trick but it’s all he has ever required and it would work 99% of the time but here he was up against a truly special all time great heavyweight.

Maybe you're right that was harsh. You are right again that the one trick has got him this far.

But now that has been shattered, not once but twice. The aura surrounding Wilders knockout prowess doesn't hold the same with opponents anymore. Somebody with the heart to get up, comeback and outbox Wilder will now challenge him, even someone like Chishora can.

For someone who looks so powerful and fit (except for his chopstick legs) Wilder gasses out so quickly. I mean 3rd round he looked like he's gasping for breath. How can he keep up with the tempo of someone like Usyk?

All this talk about him preparing to box more technically, he looked like the chacha in the weekend league throwing punches at his own teammate after being given out lb. Just the same punch again and again.

 

[mazkhan]

There's no way in future fights wilder will be so heavy.

Also I agree the aura and that bronze bomber, bomb squad alias is now shattered .
Future fighters will be better prepared, wilder is technically pants he relies on that big right hand and windmill technique of a hail Mary Big punch.

Along with that he has been brutally battered in 2 matches against fury with some brutal knockouts that can finish most fighters , the 2nd fight he damaged his skull his skull had a dent in it , this sort of punishment adds mileage like fury has stated and a boxer is very rarely the same after coming off worse in such brutal slugfest.

 

[KingKhanWC]

It’s a bit harsh on Wilder, he was humiliated and battered physically, mentally and tactically on every level possible - they weren’t going to throw in the towel and you could argue the fight should have been stopped much earlier especially in the second half. However, you’re a bit harsh considering he dropped Fury twice in a round which no one else had done before and could have finished the fight potentially at that time, he may have that one trick but it’s all he has ever required and it would work 99% of the time but here he was up against a truly special all time great heavyweight.

I think 30 years ago, Fury would have been counted out by some American refs. I think the way ref dealt with the knockdowns was great, Fury was never in any real trouble. However Wilder should have finished the job after the first knockdown, he couldn't connect flush again.

Hats off to both competitors, amazing fight! The likes of AJ could learn a few things , you are being paid huge amounts of money, give the fans a show!

Fury v Uysk should happen imo.

Wilder will KO AJ.

 

[MenInG]

Heavyweight Deontay Wilder will not be quitting boxing after losing to Tyson Fury for a second time, says the American's lead trainer Malik Scott.

Wilder, 35, was knocked out in the 11th round by Fury in a thrilling WBC world championship fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.

"Deontay has set his family financially secure so he doesn't have to fight to make a living," Scott told iFL TV.

"But retiring is not in his plans at all and not something we've discussed."

Wilder and Fury contested a controversial draw in December 2018 before the Briton won the February 2020 rematch when Wilder's then-trainer Mark Breland threw the towel into the ring in the seventh round.

That move angered Wilder so much that he dismissed Breland and replaced him with Scott, a fighter he had defeated in 2014.

In the third Fury-Wilder bout, both men were knocked down - Fury twice in the fourth and Wilder in the third and 10th rounds before a third knockdown in the 11th saw the referee stop the fight.

Scott, 40, said there was not a moment when he considered ending the contest.

"Over the years of me knowing Deontay, he has always said throwing the towel in with a knockout artist like him wouldn't be tolerated," added Scott.

"It's something I respected. The last knockdown was the worst knockdown and the ref called it off.

"Deontay and Mark never had a relationship outside the gym, they never talked for more than five minutes on a phone call. Me and Deontay would never fall out and not speak again - our bond is too tight."

Wilder was world champion for more than five years from 2015 and has 42 wins, including 41 inside the distance, from 45 fights.

"He will be back in any form he wants to be," said Scott. "He's a big-time fighter and he doesn't belong down there with the other guys, he needs to be in high-level fights and main events.

"Deontay Wilder was great on Saturday, but Tyson Fury was even greater - it was a great night of boxing for the heavyweight division.

"You have to give Fury credit for having a good chin and getting up. Fury is a legend and one of the best in the heavyweight division in any era, and it's the same about Deontay."


BBC

 

[Firebat]

Deontay Wilder: American will not retire after second loss to Tyson Fury, says trainer Malik Scott

Heavyweight Deontay Wilder will not be quitting boxing after losing to Tyson Fury for a second time, says the American's lead trainer Malik Scott.

Wilder, 35, was knocked out in the 11th round by Fury in a thrilling WBC world championship fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.

"Deontay has set his family financially secure so he doesn't have to fight to make a living," Scott told iFL TV.

"But retiring is not in his plans at all and not something we've discussed."

Wilder and Fury contested a controversial draw in December 2018 before the Briton won the February 2020 rematch when Wilder's then-trainer Mark Breland threw the towel into the ring in the seventh round.

That move angered Wilder so much that he dismissed Breland and replaced him with Scott, a fighter he had defeated in 2014.

In the third Fury-Wilder bout, both men were knocked down - Fury twice in the fourth and Wilder in the third and 10th rounds before a third knockdown in the 11th saw the referee stop the fight.

Scott, 40, said there was not a moment when he considered ending the contest.

"Over the years of me knowing Deontay, he has always said throwing the towel in with a knockout artist like him wouldn't be tolerated," added Scott.

"It's something I respected. The last knockdown was the worst knockdown and the ref called it off.

"Deontay and Mark never had a relationship outside the gym, they never talked for more than five minutes on a phone call. Me and Deontay would never fall out and not speak again - our bond is too tight."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/58875331

 

[mastimasti]

Yawn...was this ever in doubt?

The first four rounds were thoroughly entertaining though! However, Fury pretty much won everything after that and the fight was never in question.

And now that fury has spent almost 4 years fighting one guy, can we have him face a legitimate heavyweight challenger? Whyte is the most obvious call considering he has been at the top of the WBC rankings for years!

That will take us comfortably into Q4 2022 where Fury v Usyk/AJ needs to happen. There is no definitive number one of this era unless those fights happen.

 

[shaz619]

I think 30 years ago, Fury would have been counted out by some American refs. I think the way ref dealt with the knockdowns was great, Fury was never in any real trouble. However Wilder should have finished the job after the first knockdown, he couldn't connect flush again.

Hats off to both competitors, amazing fight! The likes of AJ could learn a few things , you are being paid huge amounts of money, give the fans a show!

Fury v Uysk should happen imo.

Wilder will KO AJ.

Maybe, given the high levels of corruption in the US / bias against British fighters. But on this occasion the ref refreshingly handled the fight really well as you said. Wilder caught him with his best shots and in this case, we have to give the consensus GOAT Heavyweight of his era credit for his mental fortitude and heart; watch Wilder/Ortiz 2 - I believe Wilder knocked out Ortiz with the same short right with both feet planted this time to. I will be honest, even though it seemed as though Fury took the shot well, he was startled and with all that extra weight he was carrying and mental pressure of high level fight which had started at a frantic pace so early on - it’s not easy to get up when you’re knocked down in that situation, so to get up twice and survive it was quiet the feat. I will need to see the fight again but I suspect Wilder’s legs had gone after the first knockdown he suffered and he reverted to type - mentally he was shot after that and fighting on instinct, but will need to see that again.

You know what, ignoring the delusional and narrow minded Joshua groupies / clueless casuals who worship the sweat under his armpits even after a shocking and padded resume, I actually think he now has a better chance at a potential Wilder victory the same way he had success over Fury’s previous left overs (Wlad). After the brutal beating Wilder has suffered, as one of the posters above suggested, rarely do we see fighters recover from such beatings and wars. Wilder no doubt has the potential to bounce back but I don’t know how he will handle this mentally. Fury absolutely dominated Wlad mentally and tactically in the ring, he did the same to Wilder but dominated him more emphatically over the course of 3 fights. Wilder would have felt his age a bit more to, I wont give any of the other top ranked HW’s as much credit, should they beat him after ducking him at his peak world championship level, but even in this state, he’s still a high risk low reward opponent.

 

[silentkiller187]

Yawn...was this ever in doubt?

The first four rounds were thoroughly entertaining though! However, Fury pretty much won everything after that and the fight was never in question.

And now that fury has spent almost 4 years fighting one guy, can we have him face a legitimate heavyweight challenger? Whyte is the most obvious call considering he has been at the top of the WBC rankings for years!

That will take us comfortably into Q4 2022 where Fury v Usyk/AJ needs to happen. There is no definitive number one of this era unless those fights happen.

Fury is the number one of this era, Usyk is up and coming but time will tell. Eddie and joshua messed up big time, they could have setup potentially the biggest fight ever, in the UK , the amount of money they all would have made would have been ridiculous, they dilly and dallied joshua thought he held the cards as the peoples champ but now his career is tarnished and he doesn't have that same draw anymore.

I reckon it will be fury whyte next and then fury will have a last fight left, which at the moment i believe will be against USYK, unless joshua does something special in their rematch, now i even think joshua would struggle against wilder if he was ever caught with one of those punches, he would never have gotten up.

 

[shaz619]

Fury is the number one of this era, Usyk is up and coming but time will tell. Eddie and joshua messed up big time, they could have setup potentially the biggest fight ever, in the UK , the amount of money they all would have made would have been ridiculous, they dilly and dallied joshua thought he held the cards as the peoples champ but now his career is tarnished and he doesn't have that same draw anymore.

I reckon it will be fury whyte next and then fury will have a last fight left, which at the moment i believe will be against USYK, unless joshua does something special in their rematch, now i even think joshua would struggle against wilder if he was ever caught with one of those punches, he would never have gotten up.

Eddie Hearn is a senile and vermin snake, the way he has managed to brainwash his followers and worshipers of AJ is truly extraordinary, he deserves credit for attracting new fans who are utterly clueless and he has them eating every word out of his palms. Now that AJ the cash cow has almost had it’s final milking, he is positioning Whyte as the most legitimate Heavyweight contender in the division and pushing him above AJ, this is a guy who had life and death against a past his peak Chisora and was knocked out by an old man recently, Whyte perhaps should get a shot providing he beats Wallin but he is guilty for pricing himself out of a big fight with AJ in the past and has never belonged in the top 3 of the division for the past 5 years nor is he a threat which remotely compares to Wilder. The only legitimate fight out there for Fury right now is the winner of Usyk/AJ considering a fight with Usyk can not be made directly.

 

[silentkiller187]

Eddie Hearn is a senile and vermin snake, the way he has managed to brainwash his followers and worshipers of AJ is truly extraordinary, he deserves credit for attracting new fans who are utterly clueless and he has them eating every word out of his palms. Now that AJ the cash cow has almost had it’s final milking, he is positioning Whyte as the most legitimate Heavyweight contender in the division and pushing him above AJ, this is a guy who had life and death against a past his peak Chisora and was knocked out by an old man recently, Whyte perhaps should get a shot providing he beats Wallin but he is guilty for pricing himself out of a big fight with AJ in the past and has never belonged in the top 3 of the division for the past 5 years nor is he a threat which remotely compares to Wilder. The only legitimate fight out there for Fury right now is the winner of Usyk/AJ considering a fight with Usyk can not be made directly.

Spot on, credit where credit is due Eddie duped the british public into thinking Dillian Whyte is a genuine contender for the world tittle, he is a fighter dont get me wrong, but as you said his level is Chisora, Parker , povetkin etc.

Joshua had the hype and the ability early on, but they spent too much time trying to make him the nice guy, the peoples champ, the face of british boxing, when he should have tried to model himself around lennox lewis. In reality i dont think he ever had a chance to beat fury, and he will be very lucky now to even get a shot at facing him cos his 2 defeats have pushed him to the back of an already disappointing queue.

Fury has 2 fights left in him max, Dillian deserves a schooling , he's fallen for his own hype and thinks hes a big shot now thanks to Eddie.

The fight i would love to see right now would be Usyk vs Fury ,both technically gifted in the ring, that would be a proper boxing match, lets hope Usyk disposes of AJ in their rematch and we get a big one in Tysons final hurrah.

 

[mastimasti]

Fury is the number one of this era, Usyk is up and coming but time will tell. Eddie and joshua messed up big time, they could have setup potentially the biggest fight ever, in the UK , the amount of money they all would have made would have been ridiculous, they dilly and dallied joshua thought he held the cards as the peoples champ but now his career is tarnished and he doesn't have that same draw anymore.

I reckon it will be fury whyte next and then fury will have a last fight left, which at the moment i believe will be against USYK, unless joshua does something special in their rematch, now i even think joshua would struggle against wilder if he was ever caught with one of those punches, he would never have gotten up.

I have no idea what you're talking about. AJ and Hearn were the only people who tried to make the fight, as evidenced by both Arum and Warren stating they were not lifting a finger for it. And regardless of all the surrounding circumstances, after almost 18 months it was fury's team who turned down the fight and decided to fight Wilder. Even John Fury spoke out on it and that's Tyson's father

And no idea about "number one of this era"...is your reasoning for it that he barely beat Wlad about 7 years ago and then fought Wilder who had a paper WBC belt 3 times? Why no Wlad rematch? Why did he not defend his titles against Povetkin, Pulev, Whyte? Why did he never fight Parker? These are all the top heavies of his "era"...so if he is number one, why hasn't he fought them?

That's not even to bring up his multiple PED issues.

The only way in boxing there is a number one heavyweight is if he fights and beats the best. Fury must fight and beat Usyk and AJ or vice versa.

Oh and Usyk at 34 years old, with 300+ amateur ifghts and 7 belts across cruiserweight and heavyweight is not an "up and comer"

 

[mastimasti]

Eddie Hearn is a senile and vermin snake, the way he has managed to brainwash his followers and worshipers of AJ is truly extraordinary, he deserves credit for attracting new fans who are utterly clueless and he has them eating every word out of his palms. Now that AJ the cash cow has almost had it’s final milking, he is positioning Whyte as the most legitimate Heavyweight contender in the division and pushing him above AJ, this is a guy who had life and death against a past his peak Chisora and was knocked out by an old man recently, Whyte perhaps should get a shot providing he beats Wallin but he is guilty for pricing himself out of a big fight with AJ in the past and has never belonged in the top 3 of the division for the past 5 years nor is he a threat which remotely compares to Wilder. The only legitimate fight out there for Fury right now is the winner of Usyk/AJ considering a fight with Usyk can not be made directly.

Who is the best heavyweight contender? Usyk and AJ are busy with a rematch, so should Fury rematch Wallin? SHould he fight another 5'10'' plumber?

Come on lad, Whyte is the best who has not yet held a belt. The other guys are Parker, Ruiz, possibly Rivas if he stays ta heavyweight. Povetkin and I believe Pulev are retired now. Hunter still needs a couple solid wins and Frank Sanchez just got his first big name but isn't really that good.

I'm curious who you believe Fury should defend his belt against?

 

[shortbread]

Come on lad, Whyte is the best who has not yet held a belt.

I'm curious who you believe Fury should defend his belt against?

He was but not anymore. Whyte is too careless in the ring and will lose against a more accurate boxer. Look at his loss to Povetkin, lead the match and then became careless.

Joe Joyce will be in title contention soon, he's way better than Whyte.

 

[mazkhan]

Whyte has losses against povetkin and Joshua

It's hilarious if anyone thinks he'll beat tyson

Whyte vs wilder

Whyte vs usyk

Whyte vs Joshua

Are more realistic possibilities

Whyte vs wilder seems the better fight but we don't know if the big dosser is gonna recover anytime soon age isn't on dossers side too that trilogy might of ended him.


Tyson imo should retire he should fight the winner of usyk vs Joshua and then retire has nothing else to prove .
For tyson money wise and big box office british fight at Wembley final send off for fury

Joshua would be the man , but he needs to overcome usyk and I'm not to sure he will , tyson has been robbed of his final big payday at Wembley because usyk had Joshua's number.

But vefi

 

[silentkiller187]

I have no idea what you're talking about. AJ and Hearn were the only people who tried to make the fight, as evidenced by both Arum and Warren stating they were not lifting a finger for it. And regardless of all the surrounding circumstances, after almost 18 months it was fury's team who turned down the fight and decided to fight Wilder. Even John Fury spoke out on it and that's Tyson's father

And no idea about "number one of this era"...is your reasoning for it that he barely beat Wlad about 7 years ago and then fought Wilder who had a paper WBC belt 3 times? Why no Wlad rematch? Why did he not defend his titles against Povetkin, Pulev, Whyte? Why did he never fight Parker? These are all the top heavies of his "era"...so if he is number one, why hasn't he fought them?

That's not even to bring up his multiple PED issues.

The only way in boxing there is a number one heavyweight is if he fights and beats the best. Fury must fight and beat Usyk and AJ or vice versa.

Oh and Usyk at 34 years old, with 300+ amateur ifghts and 7 belts across cruiserweight and heavyweight is not an "up and comer"

Usyk has had 3 heavyweight fights he is very much up and coming in this division,

Do you seriously think Parker , povetkin pulev would give fury a battle, Joshu should have given us 3 fights with fury by now instead of wilder but eddie was more concerned with milking his cash cow as much as he could, and then when Wilder is legally entitled to a 3rd match Eddie Hearn decides to step in to try and make the fight.

You can make the same arguments against AJ, he fought an over the hill klitschko in which he struggled to get over the line , Dillian whyte at the start of his career wo had aj rocked , lost in his first fight in america against a chubby nobody, and now got schooled by a boxer who was fighting crusierweights not too long ago.

If Fury isn't the number 1 heavyweight in this era then who is? Usyk apart who has a long way to go and needs to go through his rematch with AJ first which other heavyweight comes close to beating Fury? which other heaveyweight could take those punches from wilder and get back up ?

The era may have been poor for heavyweight boxing , but at the moment its Fury's era, once he retires people will start to recognize how much of a great boxer he actually is.

 

[shaz619]

I have no idea what you're talking about. AJ and Hearn were the only people who tried to make the fight, as evidenced by both Arum and Warren stating they were not lifting a finger for it. And regardless of all the surrounding circumstances, after almost 18 months it was fury's team who turned down the fight and decided to fight Wilder. Even John Fury spoke out on it and that's Tyson's father

And no idea about "number one of this era"...is your reasoning for it that he barely beat Wlad about 7 years ago and then fought Wilder who had a paper WBC belt 3 times? Why no Wlad rematch? Why did he not defend his titles against Povetkin, Pulev, Whyte? Why did he never fight Parker? These are all the top heavies of his "era"...so if he is number one, why hasn't he fought them?

That's not even to bring up his multiple PED issues.

The only way in boxing there is a number one heavyweight is if he fights and beats the best. Fury must fight and beat Usyk and AJ or vice versa.

Oh and Usyk at 34 years old, with 300+ amateur ifghts and 7 belts across cruiserweight and heavyweight is not an "up and comer"

Who is the best heavyweight contender? Usyk and AJ are busy with a rematch, so should Fury rematch Wallin? SHould he fight another 5'10'' plumber?

Come on lad, Whyte is the best who has not yet held a belt. The other guys are Parker, Ruiz, possibly Rivas if he stays ta heavyweight. Povetkin and I believe Pulev are retired now. Hunter still needs a couple solid wins and Frank Sanchez just got his first big name but isn't really that good.

I'm curious who you believe Fury should defend his belt against?

This casual is going on block, clearly he is new to the sport and massive Ant Flee Hoe-Shua fantard.

Aside from the preposterous claims which the BBOC nearly ended up having to seek a government bailout for due to their incompetence, lets get this straight gents, never mind having a career defining trilogy against the most dangerous puncher in history that two when the two fighters have widely been ranked the top 2 for many years by most respectable publications, you must do the following to be the best of your era,

Defeat the following:

- Face Pulev: An orthodox fighter with a basic European style who is now ancient / past his prime and lost by KO twice

- Face Whyte: A bloke who struggled against a past it Chisora and was spectacularly knocked out by an Old Man

- Face Povetkin: A midget russian and proven cheat who has been well past his best for a while

Neither of these fighters remotely possess the threat Wilder has at his peak and have never been ranked among the absolute best in the division.

The AJ fight is interesting purely as a domestic rivalry but Fury doesn’t need a bloke who got smashed to bits by a fat potato sack and got humiliated by a Cruserweight to ensure his legacy, the onus is on AJ to prove himself.

Usyk at this point is an interesting challenge to even though he is relatively inexperienced at Heavyweight but he still needs to come through the AJ rematch.

Fury just came through a devastating trilogy, he doesn’t need to jump back in the ring immediately or give anyone without a belt the time of day, he could even have a tick-over. Fury is the lineal heavyweight champion and has been awarded the prestigious ring magazine title multiple times, he has nothing to prove and the onus is on others to prove themselves against the consensus best Heavyweight of his era, and take away the championship feats, the nature of his performances against all odds is what makes him a special once in a generation, multi-dimensional fighter.

So get your head out of…, behind. Stop being an ignorant fan boy. But for now I will not engage with an absolutely clueless casual. Blocked.

 

[shortbread]

Usyk is quite underrated compared to rest of the heavyweight names simply because he does not have the celebrity profile. The guy is very old school and sticks to the task at hand.

If there is one boxing camp that knows how to take on larger fighters it is Papachenkos, when the time comes Usyk will be ready for Fury.

I see Eddie Hearn/AJ delaying the rematch. Usyk must be already preparing for a rematch rather than go for non stop benders like Ruiz. His next victory against AJ will make a statement.

 

[mastimasti]

Usyk has had 3 heavyweight fights he is very much up and coming in this division,

Up and comer is a bad term, in English it essentially translates to novice. Usyk is now the heavyweight champion of the world and has at the very least, an equal claim to Fury as top champ in the division.

Do you seriously think Parker , povetkin pulev would give fury a battle, Joshu should have given us 3 fights with fury by now instead of wilder but eddie was more concerned with milking his cash cow as much as he could, and then when Wilder is legally entitled to a 3rd match Eddie Hearn decides to step in to try and make the fight.

You're conflating so many points here, I will concentrate on just 2. I think Parker would certainly give Fury a battle, he has a great chin and would at least last 12 rounds. Povetkin and Pulev would be great names on the resume but Fury went missing for 3 years and fought none of them.

The other point you're making is that AJ could have fought Fury multiple times and it is his fault the fight never happens. That is not accurate in any way, shape or form.

Fury won the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in 2015. A rematch with Wlad was scheduled and never honoured, due to failed drugs tests and supposed drug and alcohol addiction.

AJ won his first title, the IBF, in 2016. Tyson Fury did not return until June of 2018, by which time AJ was a unified champion and Wilder and let several negotiations slips. He decided to pick on what he thought was an easy target, a fat depressed Fury (who had just fought a couple of unknowns). So the fight couldn't happen from 2015-2018. In 2019 AJ was side tracked by Ruiz and had to regain the belts. In 2020, by the tim eFury was finally free of Wilder and AJ was free to face who he wanted, they had negotiations and as I stated before and I want you to respond to that also, Hearn AJ's promoter was the only one trying to build the fight, both Arum and Warren admitted to this. Fury then announced the fight and then promptly rejected it himself. HIs own father, John Fury said his son was being poorly managed and it was a disgrace how they handled the AJ situation. Response?

You can make the same arguments against AJ, he fought an over the hill klitschko in which he struggled to get over the line , Dillian whyte at the start of his career wo had aj rocked , lost in his first fight in america against a chubby nobody, and now got schooled by a boxer who was fighting crusierweights not too long ago.

Wlad is an all time great who was coming off of a very close loss to Fury in what is regarded roundly as one of the worst heavyweight title fights ever, AJ took him on in far fewer fights than Fury or Wilder ever did with another champ. It was regarded as one of the greatest bouts ever. Since then AJ fought the best in the division. Losses will happen. You're acting as if Ali didn't go 15 rounds with a chubby nobody either. Losing or having tough fights is a part of the sport. Id rather this than Fury going life and death with an unranked heavyweight.

If Fury isn't the number 1 heavyweight in this era then who is? Usyk apart who has a long way to go and needs to go through his rematch with AJ first which other heavyweight comes close to beating Fury? which other heaveyweight could take those punches from wilder and get back up ?

You're clearly not reading my posts - my point is no one fighter is a clear number one. They must fight each other. This is boxing not a movie.

The era may have been poor for heavyweight boxing , but at the moment its Fury's era, once he retires people will start to recognize how much of a great boxer he actually is.

Ok, if you're serious about a boxing discussion, please respond to each of the points I have made in bold above.

 

[mastimasti]

Usyk is quite underrated compared to rest of the heavyweight names simply because he does not have the celebrity profile. The guy is very old school and sticks to the task at hand.

If there is one boxing camp that knows how to take on larger fighters it is Papachenkos, when the time comes Usyk will be ready for Fury.

I see Eddie Hearn/AJ delaying the rematch. Usyk must be already preparing for a rematch rather than go for non stop benders like Ruiz. His next victory against AJ will make a statement.

AJ has already called for an immediate rematch. Which delay are you referring to?

 

[shortbread]

AJ has already called for an immediate rematch. Which delay are you referring to?

That's because Bob Arum told Hearn if he doesn't have immediate plans they will go for Fury vs Usyk.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Maybe you're right that was harsh. You are right again that the one trick has got him this far.

But now that has been shattered, not once but twice. The aura surrounding Wilders knockout prowess doesn't hold the same with opponents anymore. Somebody with the heart to get up, comeback and outbox Wilder will now challenge him, even someone like Chishora can.

For someone who looks so powerful and fit (except for his chopstick legs) Wilder gasses out so quickly. I mean 3rd round he looked like he's gasping for breath. How can he keep up with the tempo of someone like Usyk?

All this talk about him preparing to box more technically, he looked like the chacha in the weekend league throwing punches at his own teammate after being given out lb. Just the same punch again and again.

Wilder's never been the greatest boxer to be fair, technically he's very limited. But what he lacks in finesse he makes up for in sheer power. I think his main issue with Fury has been the sheer size of Fury. Wilder's at his best when he's fighting at his natural weight, but seems like he bulked up to try and match Fury for size, but that probably impacted his stamina.

Fury is not only a good boxer, he's also much bigger than most opponents he's coming up against, and he has a good chin. Would probably take a Lennox Lewis type of opponent to get him out of there, someone who can match his physicality and hit harder.

 

[shaz619]

Joshua groupies are a special breed, this new wave of casuals in the UK are on another level of ignorance altogether. They worship their messiah blindly and are fans of the persona which is sold to them by their Shepard Mr. Hearn, even after his humiliating defeats they find ways fo make excuses for AJ and discredit Fury when he is receiving universal acclaim. These are not fans of the sport of Boxing, but a product of the stadium era where fights are sold as nights out to drunk yobs. Fury is regarded as the best despite him not being as active as the rest / being affected by a multitude of reasons - the man lost years of his prime yet still took on stiffer challenges while china chin / quitter was protected by Hearn (still found ways to lose to inferior opposition and an obese dude) but he needs to prove himself before a crowd who deem his first battle with Wlad close when the bloke lost almost every round on the cards in Germany of all places, some folk need to be drug tested and are completely out of their depth; they should stick to youtube Boxing.

 

[mastimasti]

That's because Bob Arum told Hearn if he doesn't have immediate plans they will go for Fury vs Usyk.

facepalmfacepalm

 

[silentkiller187]

Ok, if you're serious about a boxing discussion, please respond to each of the points I have made in bold above.

Honestly there's no point with some people, someone who has fought 3 heavyweight fights is still up and coming in the heavyweight category , fury has fought 31 fights, so not sure where Usyk equal claim comes from right now. In your eyes there maybe no clear number one, but if you ask an actual boxing fan 99% will tell you fury is currently the best heavyweight, who holds most the belts, who is lineal champion, been ranked numerous times as the worlds best boxer by ESPN? seems like only your validation is missing.

Your clearly an AJ fan whos trying to make him look better than he is , thats all well and good but when it comes to real boxing i think its pretty clear for all to see its Fury ................... then the rest.

 

[shaz619]

Honestly there's no point with some people, someone who has fought 3 heavyweight fights is still up and coming in the heavyweight category , fury has fought 31 fights, so not sure where Usyk equal claim comes from right now. In your eyes there maybe no clear number one, but if you ask an actual boxing fan 99% will tell you fury is currently the best heavyweight, who holds most the belts, who is lineal champion, been ranked numerous times as the worlds best boxer by ESPN? seems like only your validation is missing.

Your clearly an AJ fan whos trying to make him look better than he is , thats all well and good but when it comes to real boxing i think its pretty clear for all to see its Fury ................... then the rest.

Well said mate, don’t both with Youtube Boxing fans and matchroom sheep who can’t differentiate between weight divisions! Usyk has a decorated record at CW and I respect how he was able to dethrone AJ, but he still hasn’t spent enough time in the division for us to put him on a pedestal immediately, while Usyk deserves all the credit for achieving unified championship status so soon after moving up, it’s also a poor reflection on Joshua but the jury is still out on Usyk, if he wins the rematch it will go some distance in solidifying his championship status but as you have already suggested, there’s only one fighter in the division who has succeeded at the highest level against peak opposition consistently and is universally regarded as the best in the division, and besides ESPN, don’t forget TBRB who closely follow the Heavyweight lineage since John L Sullivan and also the popular, objective and widely respected Ring Magazine.

 

[mastimasti]

Honestly there's no point with some people, someone who has fought 3 heavyweight fights is still up and coming in the heavyweight category , fury has fought 31 fights, so not sure where Usyk equal claim comes from right now. In your eyes there maybe no clear number one, but if you ask an actual boxing fan 99% will tell you fury is currently the best heavyweight, who holds most the belts, who is lineal champion, been ranked numerous times as the worlds best boxer by ESPN? seems like only your validation is missing.

Your clearly an AJ fan whos trying to make him look better than he is , thats all well and good but when it comes to real boxing i think its pretty clear for all to see its Fury ................... then the rest.

So...you did not answer a single one of the points I raised. Wow. Ok adding you to the list of people who are not actual boxing fans

 

[silentkiller187]

The fact you think USYKS cruiserweight record puts him on equal footing with Fury says it all about your boxing knowledge, 3 heavyweight fights all against bums, just cos he defeats Joshua you think he is equal to Fury usyks fight against joshua shows how poor the heavyweight divison has been for years, Fury is clear of the rest.

ok im not an actual boxing fan because i think Fury is one of the modern day GOATS in boxing . you win

 

[silentkiller187]

Well said mate, don’t both with Youtube Boxing fans and matchroom sheep who can’t differentiate between weight divisions! Usyk has a decorated record at CW and I respect how he was able to dethrone AJ, but he still hasn’t spent enough time in the division for us to put him on a pedestal immediately, while Usyk deserves all the credit for achieving unified championship status so soon after moving up, it’s also a poor reflection on Joshua but the jury is still out on Usyk, if he wins the rematch it will go some distance in solidifying his championship status but as you have already suggested, there’s only one fighter in the division who has succeeded at the highest level against peak opposition consistently and is universally regarded as the best in the division, and besides ESPN, don’t forget TBRB who closely follow the Heavyweight lineage since John L Sullivan and also the popular, objective and widely respected Ring Magazine.

Your boy [MENTION=154259]mastimasti[/MENTION] has better insight then ESPN, TBRB, RING magazine and various other legends in the boxing world , how dare you praise Fury

 

[IMMY69]

I think the only discussion over Tyson Fury is whether he is in the top 5 overall heavyweights in the world..

It's absolutely beyond doubt that he is the supreme heavyweight fighter currently and over the last decade or so.

 

[mastimasti]

Your boy [MENTION=154259]mastimasti[/MENTION] has better insight then ESPN, TBRB, RING magazine and various other legends in the boxing world , how dare you praise Fury

Urgh, I am being forced to respond now.

I never said Fury shouldn't be praised. The argument is simple, the best of this era at heavyweight needs to be decided in the ring and that means a fight between Fury/AJ/Usyk.

It's weird how you fail to respond to any of the points I make and you think childish posts help you in some way. I just had to school you on basic recent history. You claimed "Joshu should have given us 3 fights with fury by now" and you didn't even know that Fury was retired from the sport from 2015-2018

Can you tell me when these 3 fights were supposed to happen?

 

[mastimasti]

I think the only discussion over Tyson Fury is whether he is in the top 5 overall heavyweights in the world..

It's absolutely beyond doubt that he is the supreme heavyweight fighter currently and over the last decade or so.

That is an interesting way of putting it. Based on all round ability, I'd rate Fury as the best too but he has to prove that against relevant opposition. Fights and wins over AJ and Usyk would solidify the stance as number one.

Glad to see someone with boxing understanding on here.

 

[silentkiller187]

Urgh, I am being forced to respond now.

I never said Fury shouldn't be praised. The argument is simple, the best of this era at heavyweight needs to be decided in the ring and that means a fight between Fury/AJ/Usyk.

It's weird how you fail to respond to any of the points I make and you think childish posts help you in some way. I just had to school you on basic recent history. You claimed "Joshu should have given us 3 fights with fury by now" and you didn't even know that Fury was retired from the sport from 2015-2018

Can you tell me when these 3 fights were supposed to happen?

Why are we still even mentioning AJ in this conversation, he has proved twice now he hasn't got the chin for the biggest stage, the only person that comes close is USYK who is only 3 fights into his heavyweight career, too early to make a call, therefore logically Tyson is currently the best heavyweight of his generation, which seems to be your bone of contention.

Go and look at Joshuas tweets in 2017 telling fury to get fit, if he was actually serious the fights should have been made then, instead wilder followed through with his call outs and tyson decided to return for wilder when he should have been returning for Joshua.

i am just sharing my opinion if you agree or disagree then thats on you, seems like the consensus on this forum is that fury is the best heavyweight of his generation, so i guess everyone has a poor knowledge of boxing and should stick to cricket?

 

[shaz619]

I think the only discussion over Tyson Fury is whether he is in the top 5 overall heavyweights in the world..

It's absolutely beyond doubt that he is the supreme heavyweight fighter currently and over the last decade or so.

Totally agree he is the best of his era without a doubt, honestly speaking; I would retire or maybe have a farewell fight with his long term buddy Chisora at Old Trafford and call it a day, nothing to prove in the game, I will be surprised not to see him in the next P4P top 10 update, it’s rare to see HW’s unless their performances are special.

You should watch the war in full and see how it compares to past classics you’d have seen, we may see it get uploaded on youtube soon hopefully.

 

[IMMY69]

Totally agree he is the best of his era without a doubt, honestly speaking; I would retire or maybe have a farewell fight with his long term buddy Chisora at Old Trafford and call it a day, nothing to prove in the game, I will be surprised not to see him in the next P4P top 10 update, it’s rare to see HW’s unless their performances are special.

You should watch the war in full and see how it compares to past classics you’d have seen, we may see it get uploaded on youtube soon hopefully.

I'm really looking forward to seeing it properly. The bits I have caught on Youtube have got my juices flowing.

 

[IMMY69]

That is an interesting way of putting it. Based on all round ability, I'd rate Fury as the best too but he has to prove that against relevant opposition. Fights and wins over AJ and Usyk would solidify the stance as number one.

Glad to see someone with boxing understanding on here.

I think its safe to say that Fury's status as the very best HW in the world is cemented, even if he doesn't fight AJ or Usyk.

AJ was pathetic against Usyk, got badly exposed. He could have tried to make up for his inferior skills by using his height and weight advantage but he didn't;t show any heart.
Usyk would get owned by Fury.

There really is no debate to be had on this.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Tyson vs Usyk(potentially) with title unification on the line would be a very interesting fight. Fury would want to shed a lot if that mass against Usyk for greater mobility whereas for Usyk, it is not as straightforward. Hes not even a heavyweight by current WBC regulations and is actually a bridgerweight. Does he put on some more weight for that extra bit of power or will that compromise on his ability to box and move? Very interesting fight if and when it happens.

 

[MenInG]

Deontay Wilder said he proved he is a "true warrior and a true king" and congratulated Tyson Fury after his knockout defeat by the British boxer in Saturday's trilogy fight in Las Vegas.

The 35-year-old was stopped by Fury in the 11th round after twice knocking down the Briton himself in a thrilling third meeting between the pair.

"I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed," said Wilder.

"I've learned that sometimes you have to lose to win."

In a post on Instagram, the American added: "Hopefully, I proved that I am a true Warrior and a true King in this sport. Hopefully, WE proved that no matter how hard you get hit with trials and tribulations you can always pick yourself up to live and fight again for what you believe in."

Wilder also congratulated Fury for the first time since Saturday's fight.

He said: "Last but not least I would like to congratulate @gypsyking101 for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever."

After a heated build-up during fight week, where both fighters viciously goaded one another, the immediate aftermath of the fight was unsavoury.

Fury, who retained his WBC world heavyweight title, said: "I thought we fought it all out there and all the allegations that they made towards me throughout the build-up of this fight, and we fought like two warriors in there.

"I went over to shake his hand and say well done and he was like 'No, I don't respect you'. How can you say I've cheated when you know in your own heart and your full team knows that you just got beat fair and square.

"He's a sore loser, I'm sure he's not the first one and he won't be the last one."

BBC

 

[silentkiller187]

Eddie hearn in his latest podcast seems to have ruled out a fury joshua fight, instead he has suggested USYK will defeat joshua again and then go on to fight fury for unification fight in 2022, freudian slip or is eddie losing patience with his biggest cash cow.

 

[shaz619]

Eddie hearn in his latest podcast seems to have ruled out a fury joshua fight, instead he has suggested USYK will defeat joshua again and then go on to fight fury for unification fight in 2022, freudian slip or is eddie losing patience with his biggest cash cow.

I haven’t listened to the podcast but I would suspect he would say that because he must feel the cash cow has almost had it’s final milking so is focussing more on Whyte and getting the gullible casuals to accept a narrative where Whyte is the era / career defining opponent for Fury LOL

I don’t think it’s a forgone conclusion that Usyk wins the rematch though.

 

[shaz619]

Deontay Wilder said he proved he is a "true warrior and a true king" and congratulated Tyson Fury after his knockout defeat by the British boxer in Saturday's trilogy fight in Las Vegas.

The 35-year-old was stopped by Fury in the 11th round after twice knocking down the Briton himself in a thrilling third meeting between the pair.

"I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed," said Wilder.

"I've learned that sometimes you have to lose to win."

In a post on Instagram, the American added: "Hopefully, I proved that I am a true Warrior and a true King in this sport. Hopefully, WE proved that no matter how hard you get hit with trials and tribulations you can always pick yourself up to live and fight again for what you believe in."

Wilder also congratulated Fury for the first time since Saturday's fight.

He said: "Last but not least I would like to congratulate @gypsyking101 for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever."

After a heated build-up during fight week, where both fighters viciously goaded one another, the immediate aftermath of the fight was unsavoury.

Fury, who retained his WBC world heavyweight title, said: "I thought we fought it all out there and all the allegations that they made towards me throughout the build-up of this fight, and we fought like two warriors in there.

"I went over to shake his hand and say well done and he was like 'No, I don't respect you'. How can you say I've cheated when you know in your own heart and your full team knows that you just got beat fair and square.

"He's a sore loser, I'm sure he's not the first one and he won't be the last one."

BBC

It’s good of Wilder to congratulate for Fury, am sure it’s more to do with PR but with time, maybe he will begin to comprehend the nature of his performance and develop a respect for Fury.

 

[silentkiller187]

I haven’t listened to the podcast but I would suspect he would say that because he must feel the cash cow has almost had it’s final milking so is focussing more on Whyte and getting the gullible casuals to accept a narrative where Whyte is the era / career defining opponent for Fury LOL

I don’t think it’s a forgone conclusion that Usyk wins the rematch though.

The attention is very much on dillian whyte now and how "massive" his fight with fury would be for the british public, narrative has definitely changed , personally i don't see what dillian whyte brings to the table.

Joshua USYK rematch will be very interesting, Joshua needs to go back to his destructive days and try and get the job done early, no way he can outbox USYK who is too technically gifted.

 

[shaz619]

Tyson vs Usyk(potentially) with title unification on the line would be a very interesting fight. Fury would want to shed a lot if that mass against Usyk for greater mobility whereas for Usyk, it is not as straightforward. Hes not even a heavyweight by current WBC regulations and is actually a bridgerweight. Does he put on some more weight for that extra bit of power or will that compromise on his ability to box and move? Very interesting fight if and when it happens.

Fury was not in the best condition but he did intend to come in heavy for Wilder. If he is motivated to do some more conditioning, is more active and have an uninterrupted training camp - naturally he’d come in a bit lighter and in-shape then his weight for Wilder, but I do not think he’d deliberately want to lose mass to be significantly lighter on his feet, well before the AJ/Usyk fight he set out a simple gameplan for AJ and I believe Fury would execute it - overwhelm the smaller man with your physicality, size, reach and strength, make it a dog fight but don’t forget the jab / control the space on the inside - mid range. For Usyk, I’d not change a whole lot; naturally, the more you fight at Heavyweight, you gradually grow into the weight and become more compatible, the WBC hasn’t been around for a while and nor has the CW division, if you ignore how the size of Heavyweight’s has expanded this century then Usyk has been a Heavyweight for a while! obviously things are not so straight forward but he is bigger then Ali, Mike Tyson and Holyfield - putting on size for the sake of it is never a good idea, plus I’d want to maintain my speed and movement, sometimes even if you’re not a massive puncher, if you catch someone with a punch they do not see, they will go down.

 

[shaz619]

Trilogies like these tend to age the fighters dramatically and not just the loser, but the victor to. You become depleted physically and mentally, not sure if either man will be the same again in some shape or form and should they continue, if I were a contender I’d be jumping to try and get them in the ring asap, not that’s a given but it’s the best possible chance they’d have. Frazier never won another fight after Thriller in Manilla and Ali was somewhat able to recover and become HW champ for a third time but the mileage was adding up and the performance levels had dropped but his heart and mental fortitude past his best days cemented his legacy as the greatest.

 

[Savak]

Wilder was a big threat to AJ. This trilogy has perhaps damaged his punch, skull ressistance badly.