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HAYE SENDS FURY A WARNING AHEAD OF WILDER REMATCH

Fellow Brit David Haye has warned Tyson Fury about Deontay Wilder’s power ahead of their much anticipated rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on February 22nd. 

When the Gypsy King and the Bronze Bomber met in Los Angeles just over a year ago, the heavy-hitting American knocked Fury to the canvas on two occasions with the 31-year-old miraculously getting back to his feet in the final round following a trademark Wilder whack – that has seen him easily knock out 41 of his 42 opponents to date. 

The heavyweight clash ended a draw meaning that both fighters retained their unbeaten records. This time the odds on Fury v Wilder are in the Gypsy King’s favour. 

However, Haye, who sparred with the Bronze Bomber during his career, believes that the Manchester fighter needs to be more cautious of the Alabama native’s power when they meet in Vegas later this month. 

“I truly believe he's the hardest punching heavyweight ever,” the former world heavyweight champion told BT Sport. 

“I got hit by Wilder in sparring - and I've been hit by Wladimir Klitschko on the chin with 10oz gloves - but there was more effect from Wilder hitting me on the top of the head with 18oz gloves on and with me wearing a headguard.

“It wasn't even clean, it was glancing, but I felt that more. I remember after sparring him the first time I thought he was going to do something. He was wild, he was all over the place but the power...

“No-one mentions his punch resistance but he can take a shot. I was giving him some digs; I've buzzed him a bit and he's been back wanting more.

“Not only is it a good chin but his recovery is great, most people you hit them with one shot their legs go and they're not the same. It takes a few rounds but he's straight back on it.

“I remember thinking he can punch and he can take a shot so once he gets his technique up to scratch which it is now I knew this kid was going to be something very, very special.”

Meanwhile, Fury suffered a horrific eye injury in his unanimous decision victory over Sweden’s Otto Wallin in Vegas last September that could have ended the fight and threatened the Gypsy King’s career. 

The Briton needed 47 stitches and plastic surgery on the massive gash above his right eye, and despite Fury claiming that his eye has “healed up quite well”, Wilder has made it clear that it’s still his prime target. 

“I will absolutely be using that cut as a target, and I am definitely going to open it up again,” the Bronze Bomber said. 

“I will make sure I open that one up and I’ll make sure I open a new one up too.

“It’s going to be a bloody night for him and all I can say to him is ‘buddy rest up’, you’re gonna need it, it’s going to be a long and painful night.”

The 31-year-old, who has changed trainer in the build up to this bout, has also claimed that he is aiming to knock out the Bronze Bomber in the second round. 

This could be classic boxing mind games in the build up to a fight from the Gypsy King, as you could argue Fury is at his best when he is being cautious – a style that seen him famously defeat Wladimir Klitschko and salvage a draw against Wilder. 

Should he go toe-to-toe with Wilder at his own game and with his eye still at risk of bursting back open, things could end badly for Fury in two weeks’ time. 

 

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