The Champ is back
On December 1st at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, Tyson Fury will be in the ring for the third time since his hiatus taking on undefeated WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
After only two warm up bouts with mediocre opponents the still unbeaten lineal champion Fury (27-0) feels now is the right time to take on the undefeated knockout specialist Wilder (40-0). Both fighters have been trying to set this fight up for years, with back and forth insults over social media.
If Fury wins the fight he will be the only ever Heavyweight to have held all the major titles (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBA and Ring Belt) cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighter of his generation. Tyson was stripped of the world titles he won in a masterclass performance against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 due to inactivity.
The Gypsy King left boxing behind after his against the odds title win due to mental health and drug abuse issues. In his absence from the sport his weight ballooned to nearly 28 stone, of which he has now managed to lose 8 stone to get back down to his fighting weight.
On the lead up to the fight Fury has taken part in a large media campaign that has included trash-talking press conferences in London, New York and L.A. Fury has also made appearances on ITV’s Good Morning and an in depth interview with Joe Rogan on his widely listened to podcast.
During the media blitz, Fury who has suffered long-term depression throughout his career has been raising awareness of the mental health issues in numerous interviews. He has stated that during his absence he came close to suicide but has now turned his life around. He said during an interview with IFL TV:
"Before, I didn't know what it was and I was going in and out of it for a long time, but now I actually know what it is, I know how to handle it now more,"
"I came out the other side very strong. I have turned my life around. As I've said before, I lost the urge to live and want to give love, but now I have it all back."
The winner of the bout will be in line for a super-fight in the U.K sometime in 2019 against unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. This will potentially be the biggest fight ever staged in Great Britain.
If you or someone you know are struggling with metal health issues please visit https://www.mind.org.uk/ for help and advice.
by TT News/Charles Newland