Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury 2 fight predictions: What will happen in Las Vegas heavyweight rematch?
The rematch to define this era of modern heavyweights is finally upon as Deontay Wilder defends his WBC world title against Tyson Fury.
It’s been 18 months since Fury dominated the early portion of their first fight, before being spectacularly floored for a second time in the bout in the 12th round, seemingly unconscious before his head hit the canvas. Somehow, Fury rose from the count and finished strong, only to be denied victory by a controversial decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Both fighters remain undefeated, with Wilder now making the 11th defence of his title – a victory against Fury would see him surpass Muhammad Ali’s record. Fury, meanwhile, is looking to win the only version of the world title he hasn’t previously held in the WBC belt.
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There are numerous variables which can dictate a rematch even the bookmakers have found almost impossible to split, from Fury’s weight and fitness to the cut he suffered against Otto Wallin.
Here, our writers divulge their predictions for one of the great fights of recent heavyweight history.
Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder – in pictures
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Steve Bunce
Wilder could so easily connect early. Fury’s cut right eyebrow from a September fight might open, the 47 stitches wasted. However, the art of self-defence should triumph inside the MGM ring; there will be scares, hurt, brutality and finesse on a night of noble boxing in this most ignoble of places. Fury on points or by late stoppage in a classic for the old game.
Prediction: Fury points
Jack de Menezes
The impact of that final round 14 months ago has the potential to make or break Wilder. On one hand, the American has full confidence in his ability to knock Fury out, which could result in him looking for that loaded right hand much earlier in the contest. But on the other, the reigning champion could easily lose his game plan and give Fury the opportunity to demonstrate his superior boxing talent as well as offer the chances he claims he wants to knock Wilder out. Either way, the chances of a Wilder points win looks even slimmer than December 2018, and with Fury battle-hardened this time around, the Briton looks set for an unlikely points win – which proved the downfall of Wladimir Klitschko all those years ago.
Prediction: Fury points
Jack Rathborn
Fury’s decision to ditch Ben Davison for SugarHill Steward just two months before this fight appears to have been overlooked somewhat – in contrast to the Alabaman’s tight, long-standing team. Steward’s allegiance to his legendary uncle Manny and the Kronk philosophy suggests Fury will be more aggressive this time and pursue a stoppage. The logic suggests Wilder can’t win on points, as Fury himself has claimed. But it would be foolish to dismiss that outcome given the often-seen bizarre interpretations from judges and the wildcard of knockdowns. Wilder has been able to recently practice how this fight will likely unfold, coping admirably after digging himself a huge deficit on paper to abruptly stop Luis Ortiz. And it is for that reason I’m siding with the American to hold his nerve, before closing the show late in a gripping fight.
Prediction: Wilder KO
Luke Brown
Unless Wilder has been masturbating seven times a day, strengthening his jaw through regular cunnilingus and dipping his fists in petrol (all those links are SFW, I assure you), I struggle to see how he will find a way to beat Fury on Saturday night. In all seriousness, I think people have forgotten quite how comprehensively Fury dominated the first fight in Los Angeles – with the notable exception of the two almighty shots that dropped him. It has been highlighted by others that Fury is coming into this fight heavier than in 2018, but I think this is a sensible move. Wilder’s most dangerous weapon is that boomerang right hand. His greatest weakness? Potentially those cocktail stick legs. And so I expect a heavier Fury to spend much of this fight leaning on him, sapping his energy and forcing him to fight on the inside. I see this fight going the same way as the Klitschko victory, with Fury evading Wilder’s biggest shots and then claiming an unlikely points victory on foreign soil.
Prediction: Fury points
Tom Kershaw
The advantage, at least in theory, should be with Wilder heading into the rematch. The American has had 12 rounds to adapt to Fury’s jarring feints and smothering tactics when within range, and finally made the necessary adjustments to land his Hail Mary right-hand in the pair’s first fight. If Wilder can pick up where he left off, rather than falling back into old patterns, he should eventually be able to catch up to Fury again. But it’s easy to underestimate quite how badly conditioned Fury was 18 months ago. Despite all his promises of going gung-ho this time around, I expect Fury to rely on his improved fitness, pick off Wilder at range, make it ugly up close, and ultimately grind out the points decision.
Prediction: Fury points
Adam Hamdani
The biggest heavyweight fight in a generation, a fight that not just the heavyweight division but boxing as a sport needed. The first showed everything that both men were about, Fury clearly outclassed Wilder with his superior skillset, winning eight rounds to four on my scorecard but the Bronze Bomber’s not so secret weapon got him the draw. Both have had two fights each since but I don’t think either will have improved or gotten worse. The only significant difference this time is Fury’s cut, is it fully healed? Will he be wary of it and afraid to get himself in close quarters? Wilder isn’t a body puncher, so he’ll definitely be looking to go straight for the head and the cut. I think Fury wins every single round up until Wilder knocks him out, and this time he won’t get back up.
Prediction: Wilder KO
Final verdicts
Fury points: 4/6
Wilder KO: 2/6
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