Tyson Fury successfully defended his WBC Heavyweight title for the first time as he knocked out Deontay Wilder in the 11th round of their third fixture. Fury gets to keep the belt for a while longer as he maintains an unbeaten record from 32 fights. By all accounts, the fight lived up to the hype. Despite losing, Wilder was very much in his element as he floored Wilder twice, and both times it looked like he was going home with the belt. But The Gypsy King stayed steadfast and came back after each fall, fighting strong till the 11th-round where he delivered the devastating blow that knocked Wilder out.

This is the third time both men were facing each other and Fury went away victorious, for the second time. They faced each other in 2020, where Fury defeated Wilder for the WBC Heavyweight title, which also marked Wilder’s first career defeat. Wilder triggered the rematch clause, as mandated by the contract but the fight was unable to hold last year, for some reason.

Also, Fury expressed that he had lost interest in fighting Wilder for the third time, saying that he preferred a unification fight with Anthony Joshua, former WBO, IBF, WBA Heavyweight champion. However, an arbitration ruled back in May that Fury would have to face Wilder. And that was how the fight happened.

The fight started with much energy from both fighters as each was looking to take down the other. Wilder was the first to hit the canvas after Fury dropped him with a punch in the third round. In the fourth, it was Wilder who sent Fury to the canvas, twice. But on both occasions, Fury was able to beat the referee’s count and make it to his feet back in time.

Just before the eighth round ended, Fury delivered a series of punches to Wilder that the latter was barely able to remain on his feet. A physician had to certify Wilder for the ninth round. Then again in the 10th, a blow to the head forced Wilder to drop. But he got back on his feet again and finished the round.

It was in the 11th that Fury sent a right hand that knocked out Wilder, as he was unable to get back on his feet before he was counted out.

After the fight, Fury commented that Wilder lacked sportsmanship as he did not say anything to him when he (Fury) went to pay his respect: “You know, he’s got no love for me, Deontay Wilder. Because you know why? Because I beat him three times. And it’s like, I’m a sportsman. I went over to show him support and respect, and he didn’t wanna give it back. So, that’s his problem. I’ll pray for him, so God will soften his heart.”

For now, Fury enjoys the euphoria of facing a man three times and leaving all three fights undefeated. Very few boxers can boast of such a feat. It remains to be seen who he would take on next; whether he would take on his ‘buddy’ Joshua or face the new WBO, IBF, WBA Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Written by: Leon Osamor