The highs and lows of Tyson Fury’s personal life have been well documented. Boasting an unbeaten record over 30 fights, beating 20 opponents by knockout and the only blip a draw against Deontay Wilder, the Gypsy King was previously the unified heavyweight world champion. Relinquishing his titles amid a personal battle, but overcoming his demons and having dabbled in a WWE career, Fury takes on Wilder once again in what has been dubbed one of the biggest rematches in recent years. The latest odds on the boxing match between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder are very much in the Gypsy King’s favour and, ahead of 2020’s bout, let’s look back at the defining fights of Fury’s professional career to date.
I’m really looking forward to my fight with wilder in February,
I have a special plan for him, let’s hope he ready for the GYPSYKING,👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/DKHg4smWOm— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) November 19, 2019
1. November 2014: v Dereck Chisora
When Fury took on Chisora the first time, they both boasted 100%-winning records from 14 professional fights. That night at Wembley Stadium, Fury was the winner by unanimous decision, winning the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles in the process.
A little over three years later, the two met in the ring again, this time at London’s ExCel and for further titles. Fury’s unbeaten record was still intact (22-0), with Chisora suffering three losses in that time (20-4). Chisora held the European and WBO International heavyweight titles, while the British title was vacant.
The opening round was close but after Fury adopted a southpaw stance instead of his favoured orthodox, it proved to be one-way traffic. Chisora failed to land any memorable punches and the Gypsy King brushed his opponent aside to set up a world title challenge.
2. November 2015: v Wladimir Klitschko
Klitschko held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, The Ring, and lineal heavyweight titles prior to meeting Fury. The Ukrainian had beaten eight opponents to retain all of them and his record stood at 64-3. Fury on the other hand was undefeated (24-0) and travelled to the Espirit Arena in Düsseldorf for the fight which was being billed as Kollisionskurs (translated as “Collision Course”).
The build-up to the contest was marred by controversy, but a capacity crowd of 55,000 turned out to see the bookies’ favourite and 10-year reigning champion Klitschko lose his titles – by way of unanimous decision.
The bout was cagey with Fury just edging it, until the ninth round when he landed a powerful left hook. He followed that up with a three-punch combination in round 11, and while Dr. Steelhammer hit back in the final round, Fury had done enough to impress the judges. With all three cards in favour of the Gypsy King, he became the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
3. December 2018: v Deontay Wilder
After relinquishing his titles in October 2016 due to personal reasons, Fury’s comeback was on in April 2018, when he announced he had signed a multi-fight deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. He won his first two fights against Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta, before taking on American Deontay Wilder.
At this point, Fury’s record was still 100% (27-0), but he took on a boxer with an even greater record. Wilder was undefeated in 40 fights, winning 39 by knockout in claiming the WBC heavyweight title.
It was a remarkable return for Fury, who was dominant in the middle rounds, but later went on to be floored by the Bronze Bomber twice. He managed to regain his footing to survive the closing minutes – and believed he had done enough in the earlier rounds to secure the title. With one of the judges scoring 115-111 in favour for Wilder, another 114-112 for Fury, and the third 113-113, it was declared a split decision draw and Wilder retained his title. Those at the Staples Center booed the outcome, with many watching at home calling it “controversial”. However, a week later, promoter Warren started talks for the rematch – and it’s recently been revealed that there’s the option of a third bout in June.
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