LAS VEGAS -- Deontay Wester looked like he was stepping out of a comic book as the evening began. His shoulders, arms, and the terrifying arch of his torso all suggest a character borrowed from Marvel.
He was more than that, it turned out. His new trainer Malik Scott made him a flesh-and-blood fighter who was also a much better fighter. He started by slapping Tyson Fury's fleshy torso. He was violent in the clinches. He knocked the champion down twice in the fourth.
Wilder is usually the one who knocks Wilder down. Fury, the exception to all rules, has made a career out of it. Even though Wilder showed all of the heart he promised, it wasn't enough for Fury to beat.
Wilder was no longer a super hero after the tenth round. He was sitting on the stool waiting for the bell. His features were swollen, bloodied and his eyes closed. It reminded me of what Muhammad Ali said about his third fight against Joe Frazier in Manila. This was the closest you could get to death without actually dying.
This is not an unearned comparison. Fury-Wilder is more than a great trilogy in a young century. It was unusual in every way. These things are for the third fight to end the tie. However, this was not the case. The first fight ended in a draw. However, Fury was resurrected as a star by the second fight. Fury was a huge underdog at the time. Of course, the second bout was Fury's. As Wilder fell to the ground in the 11th round for the final time, it was clear that Fury-Wilder had won.
It was also improbably thrilling every step. Fury stated, "As worthy and important as any trilogy in history of the sport."
These were three fights that defied every convention and rule. Wilder and Fury will be forever remembered as a pair. They did not change each other’s careers, but they made a difference in each other’s lives. It was a blood feud. It was a blood feud that ended at the end.
Fury stated, "I wanted to show some respect and love." Fury said, "But he didn’t show it back. That is his problem. "I'll pray for him, so God will soften His heart."
Boxing is not the best time of year. Some fighters talk and post more than they fight. Influencers are often posing as fighters. There are a lot of promotions and titles that don't work together. This was a temporary solution to all the problems. This was more than comic books. T-Mobile's Saturday fight was more than the Hollywood vision of a fight. It turns out that the sport can still produce profane grandeur.
Riddick Bowe Evans Holyfield was my guest. This was even better.
In the fourth round, Tyson Fury was knocked out twice by Deontay Wilder. Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images
Wilder emerged with his right hands and jabs to the body. He began to unload.
Fury put Wilder down in the third. Wilder got up.
Wilder then put Fury in the fourth. Fury rose. Twice.
Fury stated, "He's tough, took some big shots,"
Wilder stated, "I tried my best but it wasn’t enough." "I don't know what happened. I know that Fury didn't arrive at 277 pounds to become a ballet dancer. He tried to rough me up, and he was able to lean on my shoulders."
Wilder was able to land 150 punches while Fury managed just 150. Fury is still his best prognosticator. I was reminded by Fury's words earlier in the week that the numbers were consistent with his prediction: "Does it make it to the end?" No chance. I will stop him again. I will smash him. This time, I'll submit. He'll be made to quit, just like an MMA fighter. I will punish him severely. He'll be really, really hurt."
Fury spoke out about the right to temple shot that sent Wilder forward just 70 seconds into the 11th round. Those shots ended careers.
Wilder was already taken to University Medical Center. He refused to give up. He never quit.
Russell Mora, the referee, did his job correctly. However, Wilder was able to show his heart and if he wants to be remembered, this is a type of victory.
It came at a horrible price.
