The Preview – Wilder vs Fury 3
How blessed are we that, in the space of a few weeks, we get to see two heavyweight clashes? The second of those will be settled in Las Vegas on Saturday night, that being the early hours of Sunday in the United Kingdom.
As you are no doubt aware, this is the third and (I imagine) the final fight between these two giants.
The first event was overshadowed in controversy with a draw in 2018. Back in February of 2020 Tyson Fury was very impressive in a 7th round stoppage which was also marred by controversy, including Wilder’s entrance costume being too heavy and Fury hiding objects in his gloves.
So, after Fury was legally obliged to fight Wilder for a third time, his meeting with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia was cancelled and the rest, we now know, is history with Oleksandr Usyk comprehensively defeating Joshua over 12 rounds in London.
But back to this fight. There is no love lost between these two and there has been the normal amount of sledging and name calling in the run up to the third contest. I imagine it may even get worse and will continue to have a little chuckle at either’s responses or claims.
Rumour has it that Fury may be a little heavier this time around, as much as 20lbs has been touted in some quarters, whereas Wilder will be similar to the 231lbs he weighed in the second fight.
Prediction – Wilder vs Fury 3
There is no doubt Fury completely outclassed Wilder last February and, despite claims that Wilder had balance issues and his team throwing in the towel, it was the best thing for Wilder at the time.
Wilder, to be fair, did not quite look like his usual self in that fight. Was that due to his perceived ear injury or due to the cunning and outwitting plan Fury had laid down for the champ? In my opinion it was the latter.
Fury came out aggressively and took the fight to Wilder while still using all his boxing skills available in his armoury. If the fight had not been stopped in the 7th last time out, I feel Wilder may well have been seriously injured.
In this fight I make it closer than the betting suggests, as I think there are some serious chinks in both sets of armour. The boxer who nullifies them as best as possible could take a significant step towards winning the bout.
With regards to Fury, his focus is sometimes a concern and is highlighted in the manner that this fight has shifted from fighting Joshua to Wilder for a third time, meaning two very different opponents. He also contracted Covid for a second time. All minor things, possibly. But when dealing with someone as dangerous as Wilder, they could be magnified significantly. He may also come in a little heavier which I don’t feel is in his favour.
Wilder has unbelievable speed and power. His back hand is thrown from miles back but the speed of it allows very few opponents to take cover. He appears to have taken loss of his belt to heart and his trash talk is somewhat less than before, though not by much. He is forever dangerous while standing on his two feet.
In summary I feel both fighters have an equal chance of winning and if one was looking for value, then I feel it lies with Wilder at 11/5 to win the fight, should he connect with a few bombs early it could be lights-out for the Gypsy King. However, if Fury is still there by the start of 7th I’m taking him to force a stoppage and reclaim his titles.
Betting Angle – Wilder vs Fury 3
2 Units Wilder to win fight at 22/10
1.5 Units Fury in Rounds 7-9 at 9/2
1.5 Units Fury in Rounds 10-12 at 9/1
Undercard Bets
In one of the undercard heavyweight fights, Adam “The Baby Face “Kownacki is the slight favourite in a rematch against Robert “the Nordic Nightmare” Helenius. Kownacki was beaten surprisingly by TKO in the 4th round in the first fight when a short favourite to win.
I can’t see this fight going the distance but at odds of 9/20 it’s too short for my liking, although if it did, I would favour Helenius to prevail.
But as I simply have to have an interest 1 Unit on Helenius by KO, TKO or DQ at 100/30 and Helenius by decision 17/2 for a half unit.
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