Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: How They Compare
Two best performances
Tyson Fury: Defeating Wladimir Klitschko by unanimous decision in Germany to claim the WBO/IBF and WBA titles in November 2015. Klitschko had reigned for almost a decade, and Fury used his jab and movement to outpoint the Ukrainian. And victory over Dereck Chisora in London, their second fight, in which Fury was sublime, switching between orthodox and southpaw, hitting his foe at will before Chisora retired in the 10th round.
Deontay Wilder: Defeating Bermane Stiverne on points to claim the WBC title in January 2015, winning every round with volume punching in a masterful display. Plus victory over Luis Ortiz by brutal 10th-round knockout after coming back from a torrid seventh round when he looked in serious trouble. Wilder had Ortiz down three times in the title defence in March 2018.
Styles make fights
Boxer versus puncher. Fury has outboxed opponents in his most challenging bouts, using nous, a long jab, good reactions and an ability to slip and slide the attacks and heavy hands of his rivals. Not a knockout merchant. Fury has fought just six times in the last four years, while Wilder has fought eight times. Wilder, with 39 knockouts in 40 contests, has power and danger in both hands, is an unorthodox fighter and launches marauding attacks.
Physique
Fury, at 6ft 9ins tall, provides a difficult, awkward opponent for anyone. At 18st plus, he will likely outweigh Wilder, 6ft 7ins tall, by around two stone. It will be a battle of giants, boxing ability versus speed and power.
Key to victory
Fury must avoid Wilder’s mid-range punches, with both hands, but mainly the right hand, and use his height and long jab to outbox the American for the duration of the fight. Wilder will be dangerous for every minute of every round.
Mental strength/chin
Wilder showed a strong chin against Ortiz, overcoming a dangerous period in the seventh round against the Cuban, but displayed a champion’s heart and stamina to come back and finish his rival. Believes he is destined to be the undisputed champion. Fury has already held the No 1 spot, and has an unshakeable belief that this is his period of dominance in the history of the division. Showed he can be knocked down against Steve Cunningham (April, 2013) on his USA debut, and can get up off the canvas and still win.