Tyson Fury’s dramatic draw with Deontay Wilder the perfect result for the heavyweight division
After all the sparring, all the build-up and all the trash talk, the fight delivered what was promised.
So often big title fights – especially those of the heavyweight variety – fail to live up to the hype, in an all-too swift conclusion or with haymakers giving way to extended close-range leaning as giant boxers tire. But Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury’s dramatic, brutal and contentious draw in Los Angeles was certainly not one of them.
Fighting away from home after a 30-month break from the sport, which was consumed by depression, addiction and a doping ban, Fury did all he said he would.
The Brit outboxed his American opponent, using all the tricks of the trade seen in his famous victory over Wladimir Klitschko three years ago. Fury’s rangy counter-punching style frustrated Wilder, as he successfully evaded the big right hand which has knocked out 39 opponents previously.
In the opinion of some observers the 30-year-old Mancunian was heading towards the WBC title. That was until the ninth round when Wilder finally landed his trademark weapon. Fury recovered to reach the 12th when the bout’s defining moment came.
Wilder’s overhand right followed by left hook appeared to leave Fury unconscious. But as the home favourite celebrated, his opponent miraculously rallied and rose to his feet. It was a finale which ultimately saw the man from Alabama retain his belt, with the judges scoring 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113.
Predictably both men thought they won the fight, with Fury highlighting the away factor – as well as lighting up the press conference with a rendition of American Pie – and Wilder emphasising the two times he floored his opponent. The result, and the nature of it, means a rematch is likely, with both boxers mentioning it post-match.
Fury undoubtedly deserves credit for his part in the epic. His lengthy time away from the ring, well-documented personal turmoil and weight loss came together to create a compelling narrative and he more than did himself justice in his performance. “I’ve fought back from suicide and mental health [issues] and depression and anxiety,” he said afterwards.
His strengths contrasted perfectly with Wilder’s to produce an intriguing contest which caught the public’s attention and did a lot of good for the sport of boxing on the whole.
The Anthony Joshua juggernaut has been building over the last few years, with the Brit picking up the IBF, WBA and WBO titles, plaudits, fans and sponsorships through his performances.
Everything in the heavyweight division has been centred around him, as the man in possession, the most marketable athlete and the face who transcends the sport.
But Fury’s “Gypsy King” back-story and unique style both inside and out of the ring, coupled with Wilder’s punching power and pristine record of 39 knockouts in 40 fights means a diversification of interest, which can only be good for boxing.
“I think it was a great fight,” Wilder said. “We’re the best in the world.”
After an enthralling contest heavyweight boxing still has three unbeaten fighters at the top of the division and crucially plenty of options open for what comes next.