Boxing is a sport which is chock full of exciting news, breaking stories and controversial moments. It is also a sport which has plenty of colorful personalities that help make it what it is and deliver the best fights to fans. In the current heavyweight scene, WBC champ Tyson Fury is generally considered as the best around in that division and has taken part in some memorable clashes throughout his career.
Fury vs Wilder trilogy left fans wanting more
The trilogy of bouts he took on against top-class American boxer Deontay Wilder is a perfect example of this. All three contests were dramatic encounters which not only showcased boxing at its very best but also contained plenty of talking points — plus some truly powerful punching.
Of the trilogy of fights, it was the deciding third which has lingered longest in people’s minds. As the WBC pushes for Wilder to fight an eliminator match with Andy Ruiz Jr sometime in 2023 to see who will challenge Fury for his title, we may see an unbelievable fourth face-off between the two.
If this happens, boxing fans will be hoping for another re-run of the third bout. With that in mind, now seems the ideal time to look back at the clash which many have labelled as one of the best contests ever.
Fury vs Wilder III: A Recap
Labelled as ‘Once and For All’ when first publicized, this third encounter between Fury and Wilder was meant to clearly resolve who the best boxer was. With a draw in their first fight and a Fury win in the second, it gave each man the opportunity to really show that they were the top heavyweight around. The fight took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada during October 2021.
Pre-fight, there were the usual press conferences, weigh-ins and interviews from each boxer, which helped ramp up the levels of anticipation. It was also a contest which proved popular with sports bettors — from those attending in person to witness it to those watching from home via PPV. This resulted in the top US betting apps for boxing fans taking a huge volume of bets for the clash and it became a fight which sparked lots of interest in the gambling world.
Fury vs Wilder III: What happened in the fight?
After a typically riotous build-up as noted above, the event more than delivered once the action got underway. Wilder came out strong and dominated in the first round, as he looked to impose himself on Fury. The Gypsy King steadied himself though and came roaring back with some powerful shots of his own. This included a right hook to the temple and a right uppercut in the third round which sent Wilder hurtling to the canvas.
Although many people expected Fury to go onto finish things after this, Wilder actually composed himself to stun the champion. A jab and straight right in the fourth round really caught Fury out and he was next to fall to the canvas. While he beat the count to get up, a short right hook behind the ear sent Fury back down again. Although this may give encouragement to the potential winner of Wilder vs Ruiz Jr if it goes ahead soon, what happened next will be less appealing to them.
Fury recovers to taste victory
Fury looked shell-shocked but had enough in the tank to get back to his feet and make it to the end of round four. As you would expect, Wilder sensed victory and came out in the fifth letting his hands go and swinging with all he had. He just couldn’t connect tellingly though and soon started to tire as the fight went on.
This seemed to revitalize the champion, who began to reassert control from the sixth round onwards. During this time, he landed several heavy blows which rocked Wilder and also started to really hurt him. Round 10 featured a huge punch from Fury that knocked Wilder down and left him barely able to make it through the round.
Round 11 proved decisive though, as the pressure Fury piled on from range and in close proved pivotal. A clean right to Wilder’s temple caused him to crumple to the floor and referee Russell More stopped the bout. Fury’s knockout win of Wilder made headline news globally and the Gypsy King claimed a victory which at one point seemed unlikely.
Fury showed all his heart and class to win
When you think back to what happened in Fury vs Wilder III during October 2021, you soon remember what a truly iconic clash it was. It was not just the devastating punching that made it stand out but the sheer bravery each fighter showed.
For current champion Fury, it was also a bout which showed not only his world-class boxing skills but also what a huge heart he has. To get up from two knockdowns to win is no easy feat and shows why he is widely regarded as one of the best boxers of his generation. If Wilder is to face him again in the near future, this will be something he must get past in order to avoid another defeat.
