The fight between two previously undefeated opponents in Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder was billed as one where “somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go”, but it turned to be anything but, ending in a controversial but fitting draw.
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Somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go when unbeaten heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury fight for the WBC world heavyweight title in Los Angeles. Join The Roar from 1pm (AEDT) for live fight coverage and debate in our blog.
Wilder is the defending champion and has a spectacular KO record, with 39 of his 40 career victories coming inside the distance.
The 33-year-old American is known as “The Bronze Bomber” and his average bout lasts just over three rounds.
The only time he was taken the full distance was when he won the WBC world title via a unanimous decision over fellow American Bermane Stiverne in 2015.
Since then, he’s defended his belt seven times, including knocking Stiverne out in the first round in their rematch in 2017.
Wilder is aggressive but fights with a high-risk style. When he’s on the attack, he lives up to his name by swinging wildly and his defence goes out the window.
Prior to turning pro, he won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
This bout will be one of the first times that the six-foot-seven Wilder is facing an opponent who’ll have a height and reach advantage. Fury is a six-foot-nine English colossus and former WBO, WBA and IBF world champion.
Fury famously dethroned legendary Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in Germany in 2015 before later being stripped of his titles for failing to defend them.
The now 30-year old Englishman was under investigation for doping when he was stripped of his belts. He was also ruled medically unfit to fight at the time, citing depression.
Fury was later suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control for doping, but that ban expired in December 2017.
Since then, he’s had two comeback bouts for two wins, including one stoppage. His career KO percentage is 70 per cent.
The winner of this bout will set up a lucrative potential 2019 payday with England’s unbeaten Anthony Joshua (22-0), who holds every other world heavyweight belt except the WBC strap.
Joshua is a devastating puncher like Wilder, with 21 career KOs.
Wilder will start today’s bout as the favourite, but if Fury enters the ring physically and mentally fit, anything could happen.
Time: From 1pm AEDT, Sunday 2 December
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles
TV: Live pay-per-view on Main Event
Fight Records: Wilder 40-0, Fury 27-0
Betting: Wilder $1.50, Fury $2.47
John Coomer
Roar Guru
So, we end up with a draw despite the two knockdowns of Fury by Wilder. It was a close fight, I can live with the decision, but if pressed, the knockdowns swayed it Wilder's way for me. You could certainly argue that Fury won more rounds though, so maybe a draw is a fair enough result. There will deservedly be a rematch, which will probably delay a world heavyweight title unification bout with Anthony Joshua that everyone was hoping to see in the first half of next year. Thanks for joining me on the coverage, I hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to leave your comments on the fight.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
It's in percentages.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
There'll probably be a rematch now before a mega heavyweight title unification bout with Joshua for one of them.
Simoc
Guest
Well that's no good for anyone.
G Len N
Roar Rookie
OMG.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
It was, the knockdowns really hurt him on the scorecards.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I have no idea. Huge heart.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Draw!! 115-111 Wilder, 110-114 Fury, 113-113 on the 3 judges' cards.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Fury did very well to get up from a big 12th round right hand/left hook combination from Wilder that put him on the canvas. Still waiting on the scorecards.
Simoc
Guest
A great contest by all accounts. Fury thinks he won.
Tom
Guest
How on earth did Fury get up from that???
John Coomer
Roar Guru
A great fight, we're now waiting for the judges' decisions. Those two Wilder knockdowns of Fury could be crucial. Fury fought very well otherwise.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 12 Fury recovers and makes it to the bell to end the fight, but that was another 10-8 round to Wilder after a massive left hook put him down early. That's probably enough for Wilder to win a close fight.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 12 He's up at 9 but very wobbly, still 2 minutes to go!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 12 Fury down!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 11 A slow opening to the round, both fighters starting to feel the pace. Wilder throws a mid round flurry but not much lands, Fury's evasive skills for a big man are surprising. A close round that could go either way. Maybe Wilder. This is a close fight, it could come down to the last round on the official judges' scorecards!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 10 Fury starts the round well, he's recovered and throws a good right hand followed by a left hook. Wilder may have used up some of his petrol in t he last round trying to put Fury away. Fury landing his jab regularly before Wilder throws a flurry. That was a Fury round.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 9 Wilder swinging wildly as he always does but Fury showing plenty of heart and composes himself. He's showboating by the end of the round, but it was a 10-8 round to Wilder after the big right hand that put Fury down. That levels things up on my scorecard.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 9 He beats the count but there's still nearly 2 minutes to go!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 9 Fury down!!