Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) defeated Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) in what was a much-anticipated rematch this past Saturday night, February 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fury put on a boxing clinic, beating Wilder by seventh-round technical knockout.
Wilder’s corner threw in the towel as the damage was adding up and there was no sign of Fury slowing down.
With his impressive victory, Fury became only the second Heavyweight after the all-time great Muhammad Ali to hold the Ring Magazine title twice and only the second Heavyweight in history since Riddick Bowe to grasp the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles.
So what is next for the Gypsy King?
Anthony Joshua
Let’s be honest, a fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is the fight everyone wants to see in the Heavyweight division. It’s time to find out who is the undisputed Heavyweight champion.
This fight would make for an interesting matchup and though Fury has often referred to Joshua as a “talentless bodybuilder,” I think Joshua would pleasantly surprise Fury and hold his own.
Though this is the fight boxing fans want, it’s unlikely to happen next. Fury and Deontay Wilder are sure to go at it again unless Wilder decides to pass on the option for an immediate rematch.
Even if Wilder decides against the trilogy, Joshua also has two mandatory defenses coming up—one in June against Kubrat Pulev and another later this year against Oleksandr Usyk.
Deontay Wilder
Unless Wilder decides he doesn’t want the trilogy fight with Tyson Fury, this is probably the fight we will see next. I don’t know if there would be a different outcome the third time around, unless Fury gets complacent.
A lot of people would argue Fury won the first fight as well, but regardless of the outcome he proved that he could withstand Wilder’s power.
Then on Saturday night, Fury showed the world why he should be ranked as the No. 1 Heavyweight in the world. Wilder did not just lose, but got demolished in superb fashion.
Wilder looked as though he was on wobbly legs most of the night and only survived as long as he did because of his devastating right hand. It will be interesting to see how Wilder bounces back from this fight and whether or not he even wants a rematch.
Aleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury has openly expressed his disinterest in a fight with Aleksandr Usyk.
“No. Usyk ain’t on the list, he’s a no-name, no-one’s interested and it doesn’t make any money,” said Fury to IFL TV. “So what would I want to fight him for? He’s a small Cruiserweight, foreigner, don’t speak good English, and nobody’s really interested anyway, he’s not setting anything alight. I want the big fights people are interested in and that ain’t one of them.”
Though Fury didn’t seem enthused with the idea of this fight earlier this year, it might make sense now. A Fury vs. Usyk fight would do well in the United Kingdom and Usyk is one of the best up-and-coming Heavyweight prospects. If Wilder doesn’t want a third fight with Fury, this fight makes the most sense and Usyk is likely the most respectable opponent for the new champ.
I don’t think any fight fans would complain about Fury taking on any of these opponents next, but what most people aren’t considering is retirement may be next for the Gypsy King. If it were up to Fury’s father he would retire on this high note after demolishing Deontay Wilder.
“I want my son to retire now,” said John Fury of his son on Good Morning Britain following his fight.
“That’s just my opinion, because I think he’s done enough. He’s got no more to prove,” said the elder Fury. “He’s proved he’s been a worthy champion for his country. He’s been 13 years as a pro and he’s always been the opponent. Wherever he’s gone to, it’s been an uphill battle for him. He’s 32 years old, he’s got a young family, and I do believe his children deserve a father, and he’s done enough. That’s my opinion. I want him to pack it in now, and I’ve said that to him.”
In his interview, John Fury also mentioned that Fury has considered retirement which was made clear last week.
“I’ve not got an age,” said Fury. “But, I’ve got three fights left on my contract with ESPN, and after that, I will seriously think about walking away.”
Though I think Tyson Fury still has plenty left in his tank, it will be interesting to see what matchups make sense for him before hanging his gloves up. We will have to wait and see.
