Wilder vs Fury predictions: Joshua, Foreman, Lewis and boxing greats deliver their verdict
DEONTAY WILDER vs Tyson Fury is the rumble of the year this weekend and boxing’s great and good have been producing who will win.
Wilder vs Fury: FIGHT breaks out at press conference
Wilder faces Fury is a tense match-up in Los Angeles on Sunday morning (5am UK time).
Fury is looking to deliver a knockout blow and earn the WBC heavyweight title.
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He has eyes on a bout with Anthony Joshua in 2019 but Wilder is set to prove a tough challenge.
The American is 40-0 for his career and, at 33 years of age, has the experience to go toe-to-toe with anyone in boxing.
And the sport’s greatest fighters have come out to issue their predictions for the upcoming clash.
George Foreman
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Foreman reckons Wilder has this bout won.
"I can see Fury going 12 rounds with Wilder because of his height and reach," said Foreman.
"I think Wilder wins a close decision."
nothing can compare to the mental strength Fury has shown
Anthony Joshua
The golden boy of British boxing right now will likely face the winner of Wilder vs Fury.
And Joshua wants an American triumph.
"I need Wilder to win and that way it gives me an opportunity to fight him,” he said.
“As a champion, if he retains his belt, that's a fight that people have been yearning for so 2019, hopefully, is a big year for me."
Lennox Lewis
Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Lewis believes Fury has the edge.
"If it goes the distance then it belongs to Tyson Fury," said Lewis.
"If it's a short fight it will belong to Deontay Wilder. This is an epic and most unpredictable showdown. I can't wait for this fight."
Riddick Bowe
The two-time heavyweight champion has Wilder on his card.
"If Wilder comes out and means business, then he should beat Tyson Fury with ease. My prediction is Wilder by knockout!" he said.
Mike Tyson
Fury’s namesake is backing the Brit for victory here.
"Although Wilder's punch is strong, nothing can compare to the mental strength Fury has shown both in and out of the ring,” Tyson said.
“It'll be a close call, but I think Fury's got a true fighting chance."
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David Haye
Britain’s one-time world heavyweight champion - now retired - has Wilder to take the win.
"Wilder is a sharp shooter. I don't think people quite grasp how accurate and sharp he is,” he said.
“I sparred many rounds with him and I had to be switched on as much as I am switched on in a fight. You have to be on your game otherwise he can hit you and hurt you very fast.
“If I was forced to put a bet down on current form, you have to go with Deontay Wilder."
Amir Khan
Khan admits Fury could be sunk here - but is backing his fellow Brit to get the result.
"Fury is taking such a massive risk fighting Wilder. I just feel like whenever it's time to pull it off, Tyson pulls it off,” Khan said.
“Everyone underestimated him against Klitschko and he went there and beat him. I know both fighters very well but one thing about Fury is his unorthodox style is going to work for him and is going to cause Wilder a lot of problems.
“I don't think Fury will stand there and take that one big shot from him, he will be moving from side to side. It's a hard fight to call but I lean a little bit more towards Fury on this night."
Carl Froch
The former super middleweight champion cannot settle on one fighter.
"I don't want to dismiss Tyson Fury because he is a real tricky customer and it's going to be difficult for Wilder to connect against someone who don't want to be hit,” Froch said.
“We've seen Fury against Klitschko and Fury was fitter and a bit younger and active. Now he's inactive and has had two sparring session opponents.
“He has not done anything that's convincing me of late he can go in there and beat Deontay Wilder but based upon his previous performances he showed that he can go in there and not get hit and sort of mess around and be awkward and horrible. Can Wilder deal with that? We will find out."