Tyson Fury has the opportunity to make a career-defining statement next month when he meets Deontay Wilder.
The two square off for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title, The Ring and lineal belts from just outside Las Vegas on February 22. The event will air live on pay-per-view.
For Fury, it is a second chance to take Wilder’s unbeaten record away.
“I’m always real. Deontay Wilder has knocked out 43 opponents in a row. Even if I hate this guy, I respect that. He has amazing power and his name is up there with all-time greats. He’s a great puncher who gets the job done,” Fury said during a recent press conference. “He had a great performance against (Luis) Ortiz. He did what he was supposed to do. He knocks guys out. He was relaxed and calm under the pressure. I was impressed. Not by the knockout, but by the way he was conducting himself under pressure.
“I’m the Gypsy King. There’s only been one and there’s only likely to be one going forward. That’s one belt that Deontay Wilder can’t ever win.”
Take a look inside their fight camps before @BronzeBomber and @Tyson_Fury meet February 22nd in an epic Heavyweight Title rematch at @MGMGrand in Las Vegas. #WilderFury2
WATCH Inside Wilder vs. Fury II TODAY on FOX at 3:30 pm ET/12:30 pm PT or ? on the @foxsports App ?. pic.twitter.com/92OvXNPGTc
— PBC (@premierboxing) January 25, 2020
The 31-year-old Fury (29-0-1) picked up a pair of victories over Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin after the 2018 draw with Wilder. He also dabbled in pro wrestling, making several appearances for the WWE.
Fury, though, has remained focused on his ultimate goal throughout it all.
“I’m born ready. I’m feeling good in training camp. Everything has been going really well. There’s no injuries or excuses. It’s all dedication and sacrifice, one day after another,” he said. “The first fight I wanted to go in there and out box him. It didn’t work. No matter what people say, I didn’t win. I count a draw as a loss.
Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury Press Conference
“We’re giant heavyweights. I’ve had 20 knockouts, so I’m very capable of knocking people out. When you underestimate someone else’s power, you usually end up unstuck. Whether I’m a great puncher or not, I don’t believe anybody else can match me with heart and determination. I’m going to put my iron will on Deontay Wilder.”
A man no stranger to Vegas! ?@Tyson_Fury eagerly anticipating our main event NEXT! #UFC246 pic.twitter.com/v5nvHaTqa5
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2020
Fury previously held the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles in 2015 when he earned a decision victory over Wladimir Klitschko. Issues outside the ring, though, eventually led to the belts being stripped and declared vacant.
Wilder captured his title in 2015, just a few short months before Fury bested Klitschko.