Will Fury vs. Wilder 3 happen this year?
Wilder vs Fury 1
Photo: ESPN
WBC heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury have fought against each other twice in what became two of the most-watched pay-per-views of the last 15 years. The anticipation is at a fever pitch for the third in their “trilogy” of fights. The pandemic has continued to push back at the possible rematch. The first fight was originally set to take place in July but is now tentatively scheduled for December 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Wilder and Fury last fought back in February, with Fury winning the WBC heavyweight belt in a decisive TKO in the seventh round. Wilder utilized the rematch clause in his contract to set up a third fight between the two.
The hope is that not only will the fight take place, but also that a predestined number of fans will be in attendance. Bob Arum, promoter for Fury and Top Rank CEO, has continued to push for the fight to happen in spite of the setbacks.
“That’s what we’re moving ahead on, on all fronts, with the security, with the virus, and everything,” Arum said. “We’re talking with everybody here in town, with the Raiders. So we’re optimistic that we’ll be able to do the event in Nevada, in Las Vegas.”
Tyson is a bulky fighter at over 270 pounds who is capable of using his tremendous stopping power to knock out almost any heavyweight. Wilder is known for having one of the most svelte, sculpted physiques of any heavyweight. He previously attempted to add mass to his lean frame to match Tyson’s, but to no avail. Tyson overwhelmed Wilder in their last match, knocking him down several times and unleashing a flurry of blows that resulted in the referee having to stop the match. For Wilder to have any chance of winning, he will have to play it smart and avoid the devastating hook combination from the self-proclaimed “Bronze Bomber.”
Wilder’s camp has said that he has kept himself in amazing physical shape and will be ready for the match whenever it can be safely held. Their last matchup was lopsided in favor of Fury. Whether Wilder can come out on top against him remains to be seen.