The first meeting between WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder (42-0-1) and lineal champion Tyson Fury (29-0-1) saw both men preserving their undefeated records with a bout that ended in a draw.
Both men will look to build upon what they did in the first bout, and translate the adjustments into a victory.
These are the three keys to victory for Deontay Wilder as he faces Tyson Fury in a highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Key No. 1
Fight Behind His Jab
Deontay Wilder has always had his most success in bouts when he’s fighting behind his long jab.
Utilizing this punch as a rangefinder is his most effective way for finding a home for his infamous and devastating right hand. The punch acts as a blinder that assists in camouflaging his follow-up power shots.
The jab will also improve his activity in lull rounds. This is likely the largest area in which Wilder could improve on from the first fight, which would help him in the next key to victory.
Key No. 2
Win Rounds
Although this seems like an obvious statement, it is not always the case with Deontay Wilder. He has a tendency to fight for the knockout, which has worked for him on nearly every occasion.
Additionally, he has also used patience in looking for the right moment to attempt to score the knockout, ignoring what the judges may think.
His patience often times does reward him. For example, his second fight with Luis Ortiz saw Wilder probing patiently throughout the entirety of the fight. Wilder hadn’t done much to win rounds in that bout, but he trusted he would score the knockout. Obviously, he did.
However, the first fight with Tyson Fury showed that, while Fury is able to be put down, keeping him there is a much larger task.
If Wilder is able to remain active and productive in lull moments of the fight, he could likely bank a few rounds.
Winning a few rounds could be all it takes in this fight, due to the high potential of him scoring one or more knockdowns throughout the bout.
Key No. 3
Be Aggressive
In their first meeting, Deontay Wilder was willing to sit back in moments throughout the fight which allowed Tyson Fury to get off his offense easier.
If Wilder is able and willing to fire off when Fury is coming in, the night could end early if his right hand meets its target. Additionally, Wilder coming forward with a jab and putting punches together could prevent Fury from doing the same.
In doing this, Wilder will not only give himself his best chance at knocking Fury out, but by beating him on the scorecards as well if the final bell does end up ringing.
