Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II preview and pick

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury have unfinished business. While their presumed bout is still months away (February 22), Wilder-Fury II remains the most intriguing bout that can be made in the heavyweight division, but can it live up to their excellent first clash?

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury odds

While there are many schools of thought on how the rematch can play out, a critical development from the first fight is paramount for deciding the rematch. Outside of the two knockdowns and some questionable judging, Wilder had absolutely no answers for Fury’s movement and technique.

Strategy will be key

At the time Fury was still shaking off the rust of a near three-year layoff and was able to otherwise control the action outside of Wilder’s few moments of success. Since then Fury has fought twice and will be in better shape for the rematch, but he will still need to be mindful of Wilder’s power. While he was able to confuse and disorient Wilder, Fury could have done more body work to slow Wilder down and chip away at his stamina to prevent any late-fight dramatics the second time around. It wouldn’t be out of character for Wilder to try to charge at Fury early with the hopes he can catch him off guard.

It is hard to imagine Wilder’s plan will involve him trying to do anything but to remain vigilant for an opening to bypass Fury’s defense. A common deficiency of Wilder’s is his lack of true boxing fundamentals, which was made evident in his inability to properly use his reach or create traps to get around Fury’s awkwardness. Had it not been for the wild, out-of-nowhere punches that landed, Wilder would have lost.

Fury will be in better shape and on his game

A fresher and better-conditioned Fury will ensure that he won’t have the same defensive lapses he did in the first fight, but a new intangible was thrown into the equation in Fury’s last fight. Otto Wallin opened a massive gash that required more than 40 stitches to close, and while the risk of it reopening might be remote should the fight happen in February, opening it could give Wilder an easier way to get his offense going.

What will more than likely happen is that Fury’s footwork and head movement will be sharper, either leaving Wilder swinging at air or punching off-balance. If Fury circles away from Wilder’s right hand and lands some meaningful shots to the body, Wilder will be left with little recourse but to overextend himself in hopes that his power can bail him out again.

Wilder can’t be counted out, based on his power alone, but Fury is better than when they last fought, and that does not bode well for Wilder. The call here is that Wilder will once again fail to solve the Fury puzzle in time, and Fury will take his title with a commanding decision win.

Pick: Fury (-140)

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