Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III: fight guide, predictions, odds, UK start time and TV

The first fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury ended in a split-decision draw

(Image credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

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1. Fight guide: when, where and time
2. How to watch on TV in the UK
3. Fighter profiles: tale of the tape
4. What was said at the final press conference
5. Predictions: who will win the fight?
6. Betting odds

last updated 7 October 2021

British boxing star Tyson Fury will put his WBC heavyweight title on the line this weekend when he goes head-to-head for the third time with long-time rival Deontay Wilder.

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Their first fight in December 2018 ended in a controversial split draw and although ex-champion Wilder retained the WBC belt many pundits believed Fury should have won despite being knocked down twice, including in the final round. However, in the February 2020 rematch the “Gypsy King” put on a sensational display to send the American to the canvas twice before the bout was stopped in the seventh round. The trilogy clash was originally set for 24 June, but had to be rescheduled after Fury tested positive for Covid-19.

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“You’re in denial and you’re getting knocked out. Do yourself a favour and retire from boxing. Your legacy is in bits. Even all your excuses have been destroyed. You’re a weak man. He accused me of everything, his team, trainer, the suit [he wore on the way to the ring], injuries, the Athletic State Commission of Nevada, the ref - if he had come out with one excuse it might have been believable. What it tells me is he is a weak person who I am going to knock spark out on Saturday night.”

“When you know the truth, they say the truth will set you free, I have no pressure, there is nothing to lose, everything to gain. All the pressure is on him. Your legacy only dies when the man dies, when the desire and fire in your heart dies, when that dies so does your legacy, and I am well alive. We have got a lot of things in line, in order, this is what the world needs to know, there is a lot of things I could put out there, but silence is golden.”

“Tyson Fury being ready is unstoppable. Tyson Fury is very conscious of Deontay Wilder. It’s just being sharp, it’s just staying focused and it’s also just learning. There’s always something to learn in boxing. Tyson is enjoying learning and having fun with it. Trying to be the best, being perfect at what you do, that just makes for a better Tyson Fury. I’m excited for this Saturday.”

“I am a student of boxing, Deontay ruled the division and was using one weapon but sometimes two or three. I’ve watched him in the gym for ten years, sparring guys from different walks of life stylistically, and watched him be creative but when he gets in the fight he’ll use just one or two tools. He got content using one weapon to knock people out - I went into his tool box and made sure we drilled it over and over again. I don’t have him doing choreographed pad work, ducking down to the ground - he is fighting a tall guy. I don’t want my fighter catching punches, I want him to slip punches, parry punches. He’s more dynamic, more open-minded and this is the best Deontay Wilder people are going to see.”

George Flood, London Evening Standard: “Much could depend on which version of Fury turns up, though it would seem foolish to reverse that aggressive gameplan after he delivered it to perfection last time out - and an extra 20lbs added during training would suggest that will indeed be the way to go. We think Wilder will likely avoid another knockout, but Fury should be canny enough to avoid that explosive right and win comfortably on points.”

Jeremy Herriges, Fansided: “Anything can happen between Fury and Wilder, as seen in their two fights together. They each know what the other brings, and a sharpened Wilder should fare better against Fury the third time around. However, don’t expect Wilder to win. Skills pay the bills, and Fury has the best skills in heavyweight boxing. Wilder will give him a run for the money, but Fury proved he could take Wilder’s best shot. Don’t be surprised if this fight goes the distance. Fury and Wilder might be hesitant to trade because of their past. A boxing match could erupt, and that favours Fury every time. FanSided is picking Fury to win via unanimous decision. Most expect a knockout but expect the unexpected when Fury and Wilder come together.”

Andreas Hale, Sporting News: “Tyson Fury is the complete package. He’s defensively sound, has fantastic footwork and has power in both hands. Wilder only needs one shot but, even then, there’s no guarantee that it’ll put Fury away. Wilder’s pride is on the line and he won’t allow his corner to throw in the towel this time. He’s going to leave it all in the ring and likely come up short by decision. Prediction: Tyson Fury by decision.”

Odds Shark: “In my opinion, the only way there will be a different outcome the third time around is if Wilder storms out of the gate at the start of the fight and lets his hands fly – knock out or be knocked out like we see in UFC fight news. If that were the case, exchanging hands may give the edge to the American as he has devastating power, but Fury may not be dumb enough to stand in the pocket in that situation. Prediction: Tyson Fury via knockout.”