The new Tyson Fury looking to change the script against Deontay Wilder

It is always the underdogs that can be considered dangerous. If that is the case, the comeback kids are the ones who put on classic performances. In a fight for heavyweight glory, two undefeated fighters will clash in a battle that has gotten personal. In what may very well be the most anticipated heavyweight fight in a long time, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will do battle for the latter’s WBC Heavyweight Title.

The winner has a date with destiny, as Anthony Joshua is lurking in the corner. For Wilder (40-0), the fight is all but guaranteed, as everyone is convinced he will take it home for the U.S. faithful. Once on top of the world, Fury (27-0) is not a man to be taken lightly. Through the good and the very bad, Fury has stepped up and has potential to “shock the world”, and reclaim glory.

“I hope the boxing fans around the world are going to enjoy this as much as I will,” Fury stated during the pre-fight press conference. “I’ve looked forward to this fight since 2011. On Saturday night, I’m going to finally get my chance to punch him in the face. Deontay Wilder is getting knocked out.”

Fury is a man reborn. It wasn’t that long ago that the man won a career-defining bout against Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring Heavyweight Titles. It was a bout that was supposed to change his life for the better. Instead, Fury’s life quickly came crashing down.

Fury was supposed to face Klitschko in a rematch, but that never came into fruition. Instead, he was notified of a positive test for cocaine in his system, and over the next few months was either stripped of or relinquished his titles. It was during this time that he was at the lowest point of his life, with an attempt to kill himself very much on the table. Retiring from the sport and getting the help he needed was the best option for the 30-year-old.

From 2016-2017 Fury was not himself and he didn’t like it. A change needed to be made. It wasn’t until he almost lost it all did he realize he still wanted it all. One of the first things to change was his weight. It was not that long ago when he weighed over 400 pounds, a cause for concern. Now, he is in the best shape of his career (256 1/2 pounds as of fight night), and he feels motivated enough to get his groove back.

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Speaking of, Fury’s comeback in 2018 is something to admire. He beat both Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta in just two months. While his approach wasn’t as sexy as a wild man like Wilder, it got the job done. These tuneup fights will be put to the test as Fury will have his first major piece of competition since Klitschko.

“The fire in me has been lit again,” Fury stated at the press conference. “Nothing in life was given to me. I’ve worked for everything I earned. I am the people’s champion and I am the man who gives the people hope. I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m fighting for the millions of people around the world who look to me for inspiration.”

⏰ Tyson Fury sent this message to Deontay Wilder just over a year ago. Today he fights him for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. pic.twitter.com/v1vML1WdvG

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 1, 2018

Wilder is also coming from a layoff. He last fought in March, beating Luis Ortiz in an epic comeback fight. Not known for going into the later rounds, Wilder will have to be on his toes since Fury is known for playing defense. His power is still otherworldly and any shot could be the last thing Fury sees. However, mind games could affect Wilder’s game plan and swing (literally and figuratively) in Fury’s favor.

Fury is younger than the 33-year-old Wilder, taller and has had fewer fights. While they may not amount to much in the long run, boxing is a wild sport filled with unpredictability. With Freddie Roach in his corner and with a positive mindset, Fury has a chance to have the ultimate comeback.

While Wilder and Anthony Joshua are basically destined to fight one another, a Fury win can change everything. Even with a loss, a potential star-making performance could keep Fury in the limelight.

Can Fury break the unbreakable in Wilder, bringing him to his limit? Which Fury will show up? For the first time in a long time, a beautiful boxing story is about to unfold. Both fighters will hope to make it a number one seller.

Wilder v. Fury takes place tonight (December 1) inside the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Tickets are still available for the show. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET.