On Feb. 22, the boxing world will shift their focus to Las Vegas as the MGM Grand will host the rematch between Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury.
The two first met in December 2018 in arguably one of the best heavyweight bouts we've witnessed in a long time. However, as the sweet science is known to do, the fight ended in controversy via a draw. Moreover, the boxing world had to wait 14 months for a rematch due to politics and money getting in the way.
Fury and Wilder would take on two fights each in-between time, as the Bronze Bomber's two knockouts over Dominic Breazeale and Luis Ortiz putting the top of the heavyweight division on notice.
Because of his impressive victories, Wilder comes in as a slight -120 favorite via bet365 boxing for this rematch, as Fury comes in at -110. The prop bets for this fight are intriguing as well, and some analysts think betting for a second draw is the best money. Could we actually get Wilder-Fury III? Would Anthony Joshua's head explode?
Who will win on Saturday? TSFJ's boxing enthusiasts weigh-in with their predictions and analysis.
Jason Clinkscales: Fury by split decision. Because of his undeniable power and vastly underrated stamina, Wilder is going to get that one punch in a later round which will put Fury on his bottom once again. Yet, Fury has proven that he can absorb the hit and return fire of his own, though certainly without the stopping power Wilder has.
Wilder is aggressive, but his lateral movement leaves something to be desired. Fury took advantage of that with some well-timed body punches in the first fight. He’ll do the same and should be more assertive in the times when Wilder backpedals. While not a knockout artist, Fury controls the ring better than any other opponent Wilder has faced, which sets him up to go the distance for the win. It's why Vegas seems to like Fury more than Wilder in this fight, it's where I'll be putting my money on Saturday night.
Johnathan Tillman: It's very difficult to pick this fight, despite the optics leaning in Wilder's favor. He has yet to lose and has knocked out over 90 percent of his opponents. But Fury miraculously got up from what looked to be a fight-ending punch and was winning most of that fight. I'd like to believe Wilder wins because he has the ultimate eraser punch. Fury is amazing, especially if it becomes more of a boxing match than a fight. Both promise it won't go the distance. If that's the case, I'll take Wilder by KO in the 8th round.
Esau Howard: Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are polar opposites in the ring, and that’s what makes this rematch exciting. Wilder is a champion of devastating strength, while Fury thrives on quick movements and technical execution.
Fortunately for the Bronze Bomber, he’ll still be undefeated after this weekend. Rarely has Wilder had to demonstrate a masterclass in technical skills to get the job done, because it's never been necessary. He has proven that when the opening is there its lights outs for the opponent, and it's the reason why he's been favored to win every fight he's been in. Sure there are times when a Wilder punch connects and doesn’t finish the job, but the person getting hit is almost never the same. We applaud Fury for being able to survive the first bout, but don’t expect this to go a full 12 rounds should those same hits land on him again. Wilder in nine rounds.
Bryan Fonseca: Typically, I'd lean toward the side of the pure boxer here, especially considering that Tyson Fury is 6'9" and no one in history could maneuver around the ring in the way he does at that size. But at 6'7", and maybe around 215 pounds, no one has ever had Deontay Wilder's finishing ability -- even in the damn heavyweight division. I think this actually works in Wilder's advantage, so long as he makes adjustments and doesn't telegraph is overhand robotic right all damn night. Fury kept ducking under those like Nate Robinson did to Sebastian Telfair that one time. That said, I think Wilder mixes in an uppercut this time. I think he'll actually use a couple of feints to set it up, too, in an effort to catch Fury anticipating an overhand right. I think the adjustments needed will be made, but I also think he won't engage but so heavily throughout the night. I just think he catches Fury late, while (arguably) down on the cards -- similar to last time -- except on Saturday, Fury won't get up. Wilder has finished every opponent he's had except for Fury. I think it's his time. Wilder by feint, uppercut, hail mary, cartoonish, meme KO in round 12.