Bitter enemies Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder continue epic rivalry in 2020
The crowd roared, immersed in the ecstasy of the moment. A normally huge arena had been made to appear small, almost too small. It was as though the whole world watched on, gathered to watch two enemies in an intruiging battle where the victor would emerge as the WBC world heavyweight champion, which was held by the Alabaman champion, 'The Bronze Bomber'.
The day was Saturday, December 1, 2018 and the place was the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California.
The match was one of the most thrilling of all, between two of the sport's most colourful characters. Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: an imperfect match made in heaven or hell, if you like. The enthralling 12 rounds ended with fans of both boxers laying claim to victory but both going home undefeated with Wilder holding tight to his crown, but unusually not adding a number to his win column for the first time in his 10-year-long career.
The WBC had ordered them to immediately rematch but Fury squandered all hopes for that return fight after signing a multi-million pound deal with ESPN and Top Rank.
Now, many delayed months later, Fury has announced the date of the rematch of this epic rivalry for next year, revealed in footage shared on YouTube. The Fury vs Wilder rematch is going to be on February 22, 2020. “Confirmed and signed” in the words of Fury, who is undefeated in 28 matches, with 20 coming by KO.
As expected, betting companies have gone straight to their drawing boards. Odds are being released and watched by punters across the globe. From bet365 to Unibet, 888 Sport, Betfair and Betway, multinational betting brands has had their 1X2 betting model for this particular match lined up with figures. For those who may not be very conversant with sport betting, the (1) in the 1X2 betting model signifies that the better thinks the first boxer will win, the (X) is for a draw and the (2) is a prediction that the second winner. Meanwhile, here’s a run of few predictions from some brands for the Deontay Wilder Vs Fury Tyson match. Bet 365 has 11/10 odds for Wilder to win, 0 odds for the match to end as a draw and 8/11 odds in favour of Fury, Click here to bet on this highly anticipated fight. 888 Sport has 6/5 odds for Wilder to win, 20 odds for the game to end a draw and 4/6 for Fury to snap up the WBC title from his undefeated rival. Betway believes that if Wilder is going to win, his chances would be 23/20, a draw for the two of them would have an odd of 20 and Fury has a 4/5 chance of beating Wilder. It is important to note that these figures can still change depending on several factors such as if any of them develops health challenges, has an accident or gets involved in some scandal.
This match, like it did last year, is certainly going to shake up the world. Tyson Fury's stock, despite his troubled past, has never been higher and he has, arguably, overtaken British rival Anthony Joshua in the popularity stakes. It's a far cry from when he won the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring Magazine titles in Germany in 2015, but returned home as a villain, painted by the media, who were only satisfied with AJ as their heavyweight hero. Shortly after claiming the Lineal championship, many fello professional athletes were calling for him to be banned from being voted for in the Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
After a struggle with weight, drugs and depression, the Mancunian hero has battled back and is now a shining beacon for many aspiring sportspersons out there.
He will once again go to Wilder's backyard, who has 41 wins in as many fights, with a frightening 40 KO count.
It's set to be another engaging encounter, boosted meteorically by the unfinished business from their first meeting, as the fearsome puncher and defending champion faces the awkward, indestructable stylist, once again crossing the North Atlantic Ocean to upset the native.
Further advancements, have seen both boxers win in title fights since their stalemate eight months ago. On May 18 this year, the 33-year-old American brutally knocked out Dominic Breazeale and while he faces Cuban Luis 'King Kong' Ortiz next, on September 18, he has got his eyes firmly fixed on Fury. His ambition is to answer any questionable performances he has had, which can only inculde the two names he next faces – Ortiz, who rocked Wilder during their first fight, and Fury.
Deontay is making a statement of intent for his critics and fight fans, who still snort at his less than perfect technique and style, despite its effectiveness.
Fury, who rides around in Ferrari's and dresses in the most flamboyant of suits, is aiming to win for himself, his fighting family, and for all the fans he now represents.