Just a few years ago, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder told Tyson Fury that if he were to overcome a massive weight gain and addiction issues that he would offer him a shot at the title. Little did we know, Wilder's challenge to Fury would trigger one of the wildest sagas in recent heavyweight boxing history. In their first fight, Fury appeared a bit out of shape, but overcame two devastating knockdowns to score a draw. Then, the two reunited in Las Vegas for a second time just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down American society. In stunning fashion, Fury knocked Wilder down three times en route to a seventh round TKO. Now, fans are preparing for what may be the third and final chapter of this story. Fury enters the fight as a heavy favorite, but Wilder possesses knockout power that can change the course of any fight at any time. All questions will be answered on October 9 in Las Vegas.
How To Watch
Get your dollars. Get your coins. Get your euros. Get whatever you need for Saturday night because the main event will cost viewers a pretty penny. Check your local listings for more information regarding the estimated start of the main event and key undercard fights.
Who: Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury
What: WBC Heavyweight Championship
When: October 9, 2021 at 9 p.m. ET
Where: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, NV)
How: ESPN PPV, FOX PPV ($79.99)
Who Is Deontay Wilder?
Tale of the Tape
Age: 35
Height: 6'7
Reach: 83'
Weight: TBD
Record: 42-1-1
Quick Bio
Given Wilder's success in the ring, many would believe that he was an accomplished amateur with years of experience. However, the raw, unorthodox style he displays in the ring is the result of him entering the sport at 20 years old. His career started at the Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Alabama in 2005. Within three years, he won the National Golden Gloves, US Championships and the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
After 35 amateur fights, Wilder turned pro and quickly shot up the heavyweight ranks by winning his first 39 fights by way of knockout or stoppage. Along the way, he became the first Black American heavyweight champion in more than a decade. As mentioned, he met his match when he shared the ring with Tyson Fury in December 2018. Fury lasted 12 rounds with the former heavyweight champion and scored a split draw. In between his first and second fight with Fury, Wilder scored two more knockouts against Luis Ortiz and Dominic Breazeale. Just last year, Wilder's unbeaten streak came to a crashing end as Fury stopped him in the seventh round. However, a loss in the ring does not mean Wilder is a failure.
Beyond the squared circle of truth, Wilder is father of eight who gave up a college education to begin boxing as a way to provide for his daughter who suffers from spina bifida. He is also a mental health advocate who has been forced to overcome his bouts with depression.
Who Is Tyson Fury?
Tale of the Tape
Age: 33
Height: 6'9
Reach: 85'
Weight: TBD
Record: 30-0-1
Quick Bio
Tyson Fury will be the first person to point out that he is a Gypsy from a family of fighters. His dad, brothers, uncles, etc. are all involved in the hurt business, so it comes as no surprise that he was drawn to boxing as a young kid. Growing up, Fury participated in the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships and won the ABA Super Heavyweight title. In 2008, Fury turned pro after amassing 31 wins as an amateur.
Eight fights into his career, Fury captured the English heavyweight title before going on to defeat Derek Chisora for the British heavyweight title in his 15th fight. Ten bouts later, Fury reached the mountain top when he dethroned heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko by unanimous decision. Unfortunately, depression and addiction issues sidelined him for three years. After an extended absence, Fury returned to the ring in 2018 to reel off five wins in six fights including a knockout of Wilder.
Predictions
Over the next three months, there will be a number of exciting matchups in the world of boxing. Caleb Plant will challenge Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, Shawn Porter will test Terrence Crawford and Gervonta Davis will make his grand return. However, there is no fight as big in the sport of boxing this month than Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III. For weeks, experts, sports pundits, current boxers and former champions have offered their thoughts on how the third chapter of this saga will play out. With the first bell nearing, it's time to give a few predictions.
- John Fury, Boxing Trainer: Tyson Fury def. Deontay Wilder
- Skip Bayless, Sportscaster: Deontay Wilder def. Tyson Fury
- Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter: Tyson Fury def. Deontay Wilder
- Shannon Sharpe, Sportscaster: Tyson Fury def. Deontay Wilder
- Stephen A. Smith, Sportscaster: Tyson Fury def. Deontay Wilder
- Tommy Fury, Professional Boxer: Tyson Fury def. Deontay Wilder
- Shawn Porter, Former Welterweight Champion: Deontay Wilder def. Tyson Fury
- Keith Thurman, Former Welterweight Champion: Deontay Wilder def. Tyson Fury
- Oscar De La Hoya, Former Welterweight Champion: Tyson Fury def. Deontay Wilder
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.