One of the most eagerly anticipated boxing trilogies of all-time comes to a head on Saturday night, when Tyson Fury faces off with Deontay Wilder for the third and almost certainly final time.
Their two previous fights have captivated audiences across the world and catapulted Fury back to the top of the heavyweight division, as he bounced back from falling out of the sport in 2016.
Now Fury is hoping to confirm his position as the top heavyweight in the world and bring to a conclusion the pair’s three-year rivalry – Fury is 4/13 to win, while Wilder is priced up at 11/5 to atone for his defeat last time out.
Fury packs a punch
Controversially the first fight between the pair was given as a draw, though many observers felt Fury was the victor. However, Wilder did knock down the Gypsy King in the final round of the fight before the Englishman got back to his feet.
In the rematch, Fury displayed completely different tactics. Having partnered with new coach SugarHill Steward, Fury took the fight to Wilder, cutting off the American around the ring and fighting much more on the front foot than he did in the first bout.
This increased pressure on Wilder seemed to wear him down and by the time the fight was stopped in the seventh, the Bronze Bomber looked out on his feet.
A source of intrigue for many boxing fans is how Wilder will approach the third fight, given Fury is likely to employ similar tactics.
Wilder one-dimensional?
The key issue for Wilder in the second fight was his movement simply wasn’t good enough to evade Fury when he came looking for him.
It must be remembered that Wilder is not a natural boxer and didn’t take up the sport until he was 20 and Fury exposed his lack of ringcraft last time and may do so again.
Of course, Wilder’s knockout power gives him a chance in any fight, given that he has taken 41 of his 42 wins by stoppage.
However Fury’s ability to avoid Wilder’s big weapon, his right hand, was a key element of the second fight and will likely be evidenced again here.
Wilder set to face Tyson’s fury
Fury’s style and size make him arguably the most awkward customer to face in boxing and Wilder found no way to solve that puzzle last year.
The Gypsy King’s feints and changing of angles caused the Bronze Bomber untold issues last time and the constant defensive effort will drain Wilder.
Fury’s power and movement are a unique combination in a heavyweight and should prove too much for Wilder once again. At the prices, Fury to win by knockout appeals at 20/23.
The champion is also the younger of the two men and should demonstrate his superior boxing ability in the final episode of the trilogy.
*All odds correct at time of writing