Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Fight Preview and Prediction to Win
When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: PPV
Weight Class: Heavyweight
Titles: WBC Heavyweight Title
By Loot, Boxing Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Deontay Wilder, 40-0 (39 KOs), Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Vs.
Tyson Fury, 27-0 (19 KOs), Manchester, England
Betting Odds: Deontay Wilder -175, Tyson Fury +155
Deontay Wilder defends his heavyweight title against former beltholder Tyson Fury on December 1 at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. This is what it's all about as far as heavyweight boxing goes, the rising champion trying to add a nugget to his resume in the comebacking ex-champ Fury. And it is a true battle of big men, with the champion Wilder two inches shorter than the 6'9" Fury. It's also a compelling battle of styles, with the power-hitting Wilder facing the more-nuanced and slick Fury. This is for history. The stakes are as high as they get, with literally tens of millions of dollars lying in the balance, not to mention legacy.
Wilder is indeed a heavy puncher. Guys aren't just getting knocked down by Wilder, they're getting obliterated. It's like someone just flung a glob of spackle onto the floor. There is just something so much more-emphatic about it when Wilder lands his big moneymaker—a terrific right cross thrown with unbelievable leverage and torque. There is no getting around it. It is the truth. And if any heavyweight, including Fury, gets caught with a good Wilder right hand bomb, the game is over.
However, Fury offers some appeal in this matchup, as well. His approach is to outbox an opponent. He is big, skilled, and tough as a two-dollar steak. He offers a different look, actually being taller than Wilder, who has enjoyed punching down on his opponents. Fury can punch, but hardly relies on brawn. His game is brains. He has guile and know-how. He uses his legs and makes things hard on his opponents, both physically and mentally. Fury utilizes great footwork, which is superb for a man his size. He is equal with both hands, whereas Wilder is reliant on his right-hand power.
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All of those skills and talents would make it hard on a guy like Wilder in theory. Wilder looks great when he is landing his right hand. In between those moments, however, he leaves something to be desired. He doesn't work well second-to-second like Fury does. In title defenses against underpowered opposition, we see Wilder losing rounds and sometimes a handful of them. So far, his power has saved the day, therefore one can only be so critical. At the same time, there might not be a ton there besides the power. Sure, he's tough. He's a winner. He has gotten through some tough moments, like in his last fight against the very-tough Luis Ortiz. But when discussing what he does well inside the ring, you're basically looking at the right hand and that's it.
Some could even make the case that Fury could dominate a fighter with just one weapon. But are we talking about the same Fury who outboxed Klitschko in 2015? Who can know for sure? One can take a guess. And if I had to take one, I'd say no. How far from his peak he is, however, is up for debate. He turned things around and worked hard to get to this spot after a prolonged break from the sport, much of which was spent in a cycle of self-abuse. It looked like he might not ever get back to this spot. But maybe it's too soon. He seemed in good form in his two comeback fights, but you'd ideally want him to get in better shape and work some more rust off or maybe even have a stiff challenge before testing himself in these deep waters. His two comeback fights were more like glorified sparring sessions.
While Wilder was building his name and knocking people out, Fury was off doing drugs. That has to come at a price, not that boxers haven't returned from similar trials and tribulations. He is actually almost three years younger than Wilder, which may come as a surprise to some. And even if Fury manages to be a close facsimile to his former self, some things don't match up well with Fury. While he is indeed slick and cagey, with an admirable fight IQ, he is a big target at 6'9" and in the 260-ish range. He managed to keep Klitschko from landing his Sunday punches, but is he going to be able to avert Wilder's lightning-right for 36 minutes?
In a fight like this, there is so much contrasting information. We see that skills bother Wilder and that Fury has more skills and wherewithal than any of the guys Wilder has fought. But again, we have to wonder how close to his peak that Fury will be. You get a more-complete package of skills with Fury, but you also have a head-case whose bankability is questionable, despite his unbeaten mark and sterling track record. And while we see Fury has ample guile, footwork, and skills, we've also seen him get hit solidly before and if Wilder does that, it's going to be a wrap.
I think there is more to Wilder than his power. He really wants to be great, which conveys a certain mentality you want to see in your heavyweight champion. He seemed a little more-eager to fight Anthony Joshua than the Brit wanted to take on the "Bronze Bomber." He took on Luis Ortiz when no one else wanted to. He's on a train and he knows where he wants that train to go. I see that toughness and stick-to-it attitude serving him well here in this fight. I simply see Wilder's power as being the determining factor in this fight.
Loot's Pick to Win the Fight: I'm betting on Deontay Wilder at -175 betting odds. Bet this fight for FREE by taking advantage of a massive 100% sign-up bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at GTBets!
