WILDER FURY 2 – A CLOSER LOOK

The ‘Gypsy King’ & the ‘Bronze Bomber’, two essential, undefeated pieces of the heavyweight triangle [with Anthony Joshua]. Both different intact, style and approach but both on the identical path towards boxing’s ultimate prize. Despite presenting the best of both fighters with Fury’s slick movement and Wilder’s destructive power, the first fight left questions marks hanging. But what’s done is done and so now, we await the second chapter to one of the decades hottest heavyweight rivalries. No less at stake, no less pressure and no less drama to be expected. One of the largest, smoothest moving of his generation against one of the hardest hitters the division has ever seen.

When Joshua fell in the first meeting with Ruiz, to many rather than shining a spotlight on a surprising new champion, it represented on of boxing’s biggest injustices. The mega fight that fans believed to be edging closer, on that represented the biggest fight in boxing now looked as though it may never happen at all.

However, reignited by Joshua’s phenomenal December performance, the doorway seems to have creeped back open. Something that will have sparked a fire in the belly of the Alabama native. For now, the American resumes business as usual, with long time trainer Jay Deas and in truth, apart from small technical tweaks, not much has changed. But as they say, if its not broken, don’t fix. In November, Wilder was down on all 3 scorecards against Ortiz, before the 7th round knockout. An echo of the Szpilka performance, where he missed a total of 175 punches before hospitalizing his opponent with a huge right hand. No likewise, it was not the first time we saw Wilder rematch end in quicker and more clinical fashion than in the first fight. Factors that squaring up against a fully revitalized Gypsy King on February 22nd, guarantee one hell of a fight.

Where Wilder has changed little, since the pairs collision at the end of 2018. In true contrasting style, Fury has mixed things up for the second meeting. Alongside his grand arrival into the world of WWE providing a state side profile boost for the 2020 campaign. He also announced to change in both location and trainer. Leaving Ben Davidson for US soil, the Brit will be trained from the Kronk Gym by Javan ‘Sugar’ Hill. Nephew and predecessor to the late and great Emanuel Stewart. Helping Fury in his early career, Stewart was one of the first to tip him for heavyweight greatness. “In my expectations, will be the next superstar, dominant heavyweight.” Having hand crafted 41 world champions, including Hearns, Lewis and Klitschko, his word spoke volumes. Now with defensive skills, speed and an abundance of flair already on show, it could be the introduction of punching power that the American trainer brings to the table.

Tyson Fury has promised a far superior version this time round, but Wilder dismantling his last two opponents, put out a stark reminder. And so the big question remains, for 12, three minute rounds, can Tyson Fury stay perfect? In September, Wilder would have taken confidence from Fury’s scare against Wallin, surviving a terrible cut, to secure a unanimous victory. Considering what each brings to the table, it’s hard to call this anything but a 50/50 fight.

Looking at the tale of the tape, we are reminded that on paper, Fury holds all the advantages. Two inches in height and reach, along with being 3 years younger and having a pedigree to match any in the division. Though Wilders freakish power and sheer athleticism, simply defies boxing logic. Both fighters stuck to their game plans in the first, showing what they do well. Fury out boxed and out manoeuvred his opponent for the most part, using his jab to control the ring, slipping and sliding in trademark style. Whereas Wilder sent his man to the canvas in dramatic style. Biding his time and remaining composed, until in similar fashion, the big equaliser hit home. And so this time around, Wilder won’t want to be made to feel frustrated and Fury won’t want another taste of that right hand.

Whilst Fury is expected to come in as slight favourite, we await to see any stylistic difference. Could we see a stronger, more clinical Tyson Fury put Wilder on the back foot? Or will we see Wilder put away his 3rd rematch in the same emphatic style. Regardless, we can expect to see a firefight between two of the most exciting heavyweights of their generation. And this time, having faced one another already and with no ring rust, injuries or obstructions – there will be no room for excuses.

With the division back into its familiar triangle, February 22nd at the MGM will see two become one. As we move closer to seeing the first undisputed heavyweight champion in almost 20 years.  2020 looks set to be the year we finally see the best, face the best. Danger, drama and everything on the line the ‘Gypsy King’ vs the ‘Bronze Bomber’.

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Motivedia Boxing presentation