Wilder v Fury: Ends in Stunning Draw

In one of the most thrilling heavyweight contests for years, Deontay Wilder retains his WBC world heavyweight title against Tyson Fury. 

Tyson Fury's shot at completing a remarkable return to the top of world boxing saw him survive two knockdowns to share an enthralling draw with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Los Angeles.

Fury had shown plenty of the evasive, counter-punching skill set which made his name before his 30-month spell away from the sport and he enjoyed joy during the middle rounds.

But in the 12th he lay motionless after a savage combination, barely making the count to see out the contest, which was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113.

The challenger felt he had won and had he stayed on his feet in the final three minutes, the WBC title would have been his.

After 36 minutes of the most tense and absorbing action, both men spoke of a rematch and such a date now appears a certainty.

Wilder v Fury

"We're on away soil, I got knocked down but I still believe I won the fight. I'm showing total professionalism. Thank you for the opportunity D, God bless you.

"The Gypsy King has returned. God bless America. I'm a pro athlete who loves to fight. He is a fearsome fighter. The world knows the truth. Thank you to every fan around the world.

"I'm a fighting man and Jesus has his control over me so I was never going to get knocked out. I came here tonight and fought my heart out. That is the second best heavyweight apart from me. We are both going home to our family safe.

"I've been away from my family for 10 weeks and just want to spend some time with them over Christmas. One hundred per cent we will do the rematch. We're the best two heavyweights in the planet. There is another heavyweight who is a chicken. (Anthony) Joshua where are you?

Both fighters are now expected to meet again in a rematch, delaying a potential bout between Wilder and unified champion Anthony Joshua for the right to become the undisputed champion.

Wilder v Fury

Deontay Wilder says: "With the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight, Wilder said. I don't think he had control. I wasn't hurt. I did not sit still, I was too hesitant, I started overthrowing the right hand. I was forcing my punches too much.

 "I don't know if it (a rematch) will be my next fight but would love it to be. We need to do it again."

Wilder, 33, made the eighth defense of the WBC title he captured in 2015. Fury, defended the division's lineal championship he never lost which dates back to his 2015 win over Wladimir Klitschko.

Either way, one thing to consider is that Fury is a broadcast free agent in the United States, which means it's possible he could  reject the rematch in favor of fighting British countryman and unified champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua - holder of the IBF, WBA and WBO titles - has grown to become the biggest star in the sport globally and recently switched his U.S. television home from Showtime to upstart streaming service DAZN.

Wilder vs. Fury score card results

Wilder vs. Fury score card

 

Wilder vs. Fury score card