It’s been a whirlwind recently for Tyson Fury. After nearly three years away from the sport, he has come back to take reign once more, but he’s also been featuring in WWE, and now it’s been announced he sings on Robbie Williams’ new Christmas album.
Turning our attention back to boxing, the Wilder vs Fury odds have the Gypsy King to win the bout, even though it has not yet been confirmed. It has been said that discussions are in the final phases and we can expect a press release any time soon. With such hype surrounding the potential fight, it’s almost certain it will go ahead – nearly all of the boxing industry would be disappointed if it didn’t. Let’s take a look at why Fury’s unconfirmed match is one of the most anticipated for 2020.
The past
An impressive record doesn’t even begin to describe Fury’s journey to the top of the heavyweight division. Making his professional debut at the age of 20 in 2008, Fury went through the next seven months defeating opponents regularly.
His first title win didn’t come without some controversy, and the points decision victory was criticised. Not one to shy away from a fight though, Fury defeated two more opponents before a rematch was organised. Of course, the Gypsy King retained his title, achieving a TKO in the 9th round.
Fast forward to 2012, and Fury was ready to take on American Kevin Johnson in a WBC title eliminator fight. Of course, the Brit won the bout to challenge Vitali Klitschko, but this was only the beginning of what was to be global domination for the Gypsy King.
In July 2015, Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko in a heavyweight showdown to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, Lineal and The Ring titles. It was a fight that pitched Fury at the top of heavyweight boxing with boxers desperate to attempt to muddy his perfect record.
The present
However nobody was given the chance. After the fight against Klitschko, Fury vanished from the spotlight. Pulling out from a rematch with the Ukrainian after suffering an ankle sprain was the first of many out-of-character actions. After a lot of silence, Fury spoke out about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He relinquished all of his titles and took the time to focus on himself.
Thankfully, the boxer returned to the sport in January 2018 after a nearly three-year hiatus. Defeating Sefer Seferi in his home town of Manchester would have done the boxers confidence the world of good, and since then the positives have kept rolling in. He managed to defeat Francesco Pianeta before facing his biggest challenge yet. Deontay Wilder.
It was the Gypsy King’s first draw. He had never lost a fight, he was only used to winning. Wilder was the first boxer to stand in the way of Fury and world domination. The bout drew great attention from fans and the media, which is why a tie wasn’t enough, and a rematch is set to take place.
The future
Both boxers are undefeated. Wilder holds the WBC heavyweight title and has recently defended it against Luis Ortiz for the second time. He is known for his one-punch-done routine and has been regarded as the biggest puncher in boxing history.
With both holding so much to lose, a defeat could be catastrophic. For Fury, a loss could lead to retirement, whereas for Wilder it would prevent his chances at unifying the world heavyweight belts. Currently, Andy Ruiz Jr. holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles after a shocking victory over Anthony Joshua, although the Brit looks to overturn that in their rematch on 7th December.
For Fury, his future lies in the balance of his rematch against Wilder. Will we finally witness the Gypsy King take his throne at the top of heavyweight boxing, or will it be one step too far?
Wilder is going to put him out cold. He did it once and now he will finish the job.