Fury Dominates Wilder in Epic Rematch to Secure WBC Heavyweight Title
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
In what was an unexpectedly lopsided fight, Tyson Fury defended his lineal title and captured Deontay Wilder’s WBC heavyweight belt Saturday night. The highly-anticipated rematch of their December 2018 bout — which ended in a draw — did not disappoint.
Fury (30-0-1, 23 KOs) walked out of the tunnel wearing a crown while seated upon a throne. Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” pumped through the loudspeakers.
Fury fought aggressively from the opening bell to the towel that Wilder’s (42-1-1, 41 KOs) corner tossed into the ring.
He connected on 30 percent of his punches (82 of 267), but Wilder was less effective, landing only 24 percent (34 of 141). Fury landed 58 more power punches in just under seven rounds after only landing 38 in 12 rounds during his first meeting with the “Bronze Bomber.”
Fury ducked and dodged Wilder’s combinations in the first two rounds. He was in complete control of the match heading into the third. Taking advantage of Wilder’s inability to string together significant blows, Fury bombarded the Alabama native with punches before sending him to the canvas with a looping right hook.
It was only the second time Wilder had been knocked down in his professional career. And it was the first time since he was floored nearly ten years ago by Harold Sconiers. Unfortunately for Wilder, it wouldn’t be the last.
By the fifth round, Wilder’s left ear was bleeding, signaling significant damage to his eardrum. Wilder’s legs abandoned him as he lunged to make solid contact with his opponent. Fury sent Wilder to the mat for the second time with a left to the body. The roaring crowd wondered how much more Wilder could take.
After a punishing sixth round, Fury cornered Wilder against the ropes and pummeled him relentlessly. At that point, assistant trainer Mark Brelend threw in the towel and stopped the fight.
According to Forbes, “both Wilder and Fury had a clause in the contract to pursue a third fight if [either of them] lost on Saturday night.”
Although a third bout would be exciting, the public outcry might keep that from happening. Fury defeated Wilder too easily.
It’s more likely that Fury will face Britain’s Anthony Joshua. He will try to win back his WBA, WBO, and IBF that he took from Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, but lost during his 31-month lay-off to recover from drug addiction.