World Boxing will reach its peak for the year in Las Vegas on Sunday AEDT, when heavyweights Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder step into the ring for a third and final time.
The two bitter enemies have played out one of the more storied series in boxing since the turn of the century, which began with a contentious draw in December 2018.
That result set up one of the most highly anticipated rematches in the history of the sport, which was ultimately claimed by Fury in a dominant seventh round TKO.
Fury’s WBC and The Ring Heavyweights titles are on the line at the T-Mobile Arena, but so too are pride and reputation for both men, who are each staking plenty on the result.
I’ve reacquainted myself with both fighters, checked out our markets and provided my best betting plays for Fury vs Wilder III below.
Tyson Fury
Two men stepped into the ring undefeated when Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder met for the second time in February 2020 and only one left with the record intact.
Tyson Fury doesn’t cut the figure of a modern heavyweight boxer, but he possesses skills far superior to most fighters that have ever laced on a pair of gloves, and it has delivered a record of 31 fights, 30 wins (21 by way of knockout) and 1 draw.
Though a household name in the UK and indeed amongst sporting nuffies, Fury announced himself to the entire world when he claimed an upset win over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, unseating the Ukrainian from a lengthy reign at the top.
From then, the first meeting with Wilder is the only minor blemish on his record, and he is rightfully a world title holder.
Deontay Wilder
The Bronze Bomber has enjoyed an (almost) equally impressive career to Fury’s, and you’d be silly to write him off ahead of this third and final showdown.
Having incredibly entered a boxing gym for the first time at age 20, Wilder won a Bronze Medal in the Heavyweight division at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, turning pro later that year and ultimately leaving many, many world class fighters down on the canvas.
He claimed the WBC Heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne in 2015, Wilder defended the belt a total of ten times before finally relinquishing it to Fury last year.
Since then, he has made key changes to his team and has been typically vocal of his chances in this bout.
Fury vs Wilder III Overview
Neither fighter has entered the ring since their last meeting, and that alone adds plenty of intrigue to the fight being dubbed ‘Once And For All’.
Wilder’s excuses for losing the last fight were outlandish, but also very on brand for big time boxing, and there is no doubt that Fury won convincingly.
The build up to this fight has been long and at some points tedious – the lengthy press conference when everything was first locked in place saw Fury burst out in song and Wilder remained completely silent.
The whole circus only ballooned from there.
Ultimately, both fighters have had ample time to prepare, both are fit and strong, and we should be treated to an absolute blockbuster on Sunday afternoon.
Fury vs Wilder III Betting
I will put my hand up and say that I believed Wilder would score a convincing win by way of knockout prior to last year’s fight.
That clearly did not eventuate, and I was reminded of Fury’s incredible skill and toughness, something that has not eluded me since.
For that reason, I am more than confident that the bookies have gotten this one just about right, and Fury will win again.
At publish, we’re Fury is rated a $1.36 favourite to defeat Wilder, $3.25, while a Draw or Technical Draw is up at odds of $21.
Fury’s arsenal is extensive, and he has proven that he can end an opponent’s night early, but also go the distance.
Neds is offering punters a Player Pump of Fury to win in Rounds 7-12 OR by Decision for odds of $2.25 (Max bet $50), which I am eager to take.
Should Wilder prove successful this time around, I believe that he will need to knockout Fury.
In my opinion, Fury’s superior skill would likely see him to victory should the fight go the distance.
For Wilder to win by KO/TKO or Disqualification, there is $3.75 available.
Tips for Fury Fans:
- Player Pump – Fury to Win in Rounds 7-12 or by Decision @ $2.25
- Fury to Win by KO or TKO or Disqualification @ $1.90
Tips for Wilder Fans:
- Wilder to win by KO or TKO or Disqualification @ $3.75
