Tyson Fury (27-0, 19 KOs) will fight Deontay Wilder(40-0, 39 KOs) for the WBC World heavyweight title in Los Angeles on December 1.
WBC American Champion and British lineal champion going into the fight unbeaten in their combined 67 professional bouts in a fight expected to b watched by millions across the US and the world.
What has been said?
Tyson Fury:
“Deontay Wilder: massive puncher. Me: skilful boxer. It’s going to be an epic night. This is a legacy fight. If I can come back from mental health problems and [contemplating] suicide, I can withstand anything. Deontay Wilder doesn't possess anything I'm scared of. Punches just bounce off me, they don't do anything. I'm a powerful man. There isn’t a man born from his mother that Tyson Fury is afraid of, and especially not a man who wears pigtails every day. I don’t fear anything about him.”
Deontay Wilder:
“This fight means everything to the heavyweight division. This division was once in a dark place... We’ve brought the sport back to life. When we're put in a room together you can feel the energy, to the point where you need security. People feel the intensity, it's a huge fight. It’s important to establish dominance. I’m the best, the baddest man on the planet. You know what I’m coming to do December 1. I know you’re coming to see some skills but you’re coming to see this man’s body on the canvas and that’s what I’m going to deliver to you.”
The sport’s greatest fighters have come out to issue their predictions for the upcoming clash.
George Foreman
"I can see Fury going 12 rounds with Wilder because of his height and reach. I think Wilder wins a close decision."
Anthony Joshua
"I need Wilder to win and that way it gives me an opportunity to fight him. As a champion, if he retains his belt, that's a fight that people have been yearning for so 2019, hopefully, is a big year for me."
Lennox Lewis
"If it goes the distance then it belongs to Tyson Fur. If it's a short fight it will belong to Deontay Wilder. This is an epic and most unpredictable showdown. I can't wait for this fight.
Riddick Bowe
"If Wilder comes out and means business, then he should beat Tyson Fury with ease. My prediction is Wilder by knockout!.”
Tyson Fury
"Although Wilder's punch is strong, nothing can compare to the mental strength Fury has shown both in and out of the ring. It'll be a close call, but I think Fury's got a true fighting chance."
David Haye
"Wilder is a sharpshooter. I don't think people quite grasp how accurate and sharp he is. I sparred many rounds with him and I had to be switched on as much as I am switched on in a fight. You have to be on your game otherwise he can hit you and hurt you very fast. If I was forced to put a bet down on the current form, you have to go with Deontay Wilder."
Amir Khan
“Fury is taking such a massive risk fighting Wilder. I just feel like whenever it's time to pull it off, Tyson pulls it off. Everyone underestimated him against Klitschko and he went there and beat him. I know both fighters very well but one thing about Fury is his unorthodox style is going to work for him and is going to cause Wilder a lot of problems. I don't think Fury will stand there and take that one big shot from him, he will be moving from side to side. It's a hard fight to call but I lean a little bit more towards Fury on this night."
