Tyson Fury hasn’t simply predicted that he’ll knock out Deontay Wilder in their rematch.
Among other outlandish things, Fury has stated that he’ll “smash Wilder into next week” and stop boxing’s most dangerous puncher within two rounds when they meet again February 22 in Las Vegas for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title. Wilder ridiculed Fury’s knockout talk in the second episode of “Inside Wilder vs. Fury II,” which debuted on FOX and ESPN over the weekend.
“We all know he don’t have no power,” Wilder said. “As far as him knocking me out, he don’t believe that himself. He can’t even see that in his dreams.”
Wilder, who has knocked out 95 percent of his pro opponents, commended Fury’s boxing ability and resilience, two traits that enabled the lineal heavyweight champion to survive two knockdowns and earn a draw with Wilder in December 2018.
Wilder (42-0-1, 41 KOs) has knocked out both of his opponents since he fought Fury 14 months ago at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native needed just two minutes and 17 seconds to knock out mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) on May 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Six months later, he knocked out Luis Ortiz (31-2, 26 KOs, 2 NC) in the seventh round of their rematch November 23 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The undefeated Fury (29-0-1, 20 KOs) also has won two fights since their debatable draw.
The brash British star stopped previously unbeaten German Tom Schwarz (26-1, 18 KOs) in the second round June 15 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Three months later, he fought through a nasty gash around his left eye and withstood a strong challenge from then-undefeated Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs, 1 NC) to win a 12-round unanimous decision September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Fury, 31, is consistently listed as a slight favorite to beat Wilder, 34, in their 12-round rematch. Their second fight will headline a joint pay-per-view venture between ESPN and FOX Sports.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.