Tyson Fury Beats Deontay Wilder Via TKO in Anticipated Heavyweight Rematch

Tyson Fury became a world champion once again Saturday, and he did it by outslugging the knockout artist. In one of boxing's most anticipated rematches in years, Fury defeated Deontay Wilder via seventh-round TKO at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, capturing the WBC world heavyweight title in the process.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reacted to the win:

Many thought the powerful Wilder would win by stoppage after he knocked down Fury twice en route to a draw in December 2018, but it was Fury who forced referee Kenny Bayless and Wilder's corner to put a stop to the fight. Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) knocked down Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) in the third and fifth rounds, and a bloodied, shaky Wilder was unable to fight back in the decisive seventh.

ESPN broadcaster Ian Darke felt Bayless and Wilder's corner did the right thing by stopping the punishment:

For years, Fury clung to his unofficial status as the lineal champion after he was stripped of titles he won against Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015. Now, there's no denying his merit.

Bad Left Hook called him the best heavyweight in the world:

It caps an incredible comeback for Fury, who battled drug and mental health issues for a couple of years following the Klitschko fight. The picture of joy, the Gypsy King serenaded the Las Vegas crowd after the win with a rendition of "American Pie," via Fox Sports PBC:

It was another touch of the surreal from Fury, who entered the ring on a throne and singing along to "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. Here's a look, via Fox Sports PBC:

This is the first loss of Wilder's career. The 34-year-old American said his legs were "already weak" heading into the fight, per the pay-per-view broadcast. He also said he can't make excuses.

Fury executed his rough-and-tumble fight plan to perfection. The 31-year-old Irish Traveller was on the front foot from the first second of the match, controlling the ring and working a stiff jab. Wilder countered with looping right hands over the top. A few connected, while others missed by just centimeters because of excellent head movement on Fury's part. 

Isaac Brekken/Associated Press

The third round saw the action heat up. Fury kept up the pressure on Wilder, working the right hand immediately after the jab. Wilder looked uncomfortable after the power punches, immediately leaning on Fury following the ones that landed flush. 

Fury scored a knockdown late in the third with a left followed by a right that landed on Wilder's ear. Here's the highlight, via Fox Sports PBC:

The fourth round saw Fury continue to press his advantage. He sneaked in lead lefts that the Bronze Bomber had trouble seeing, and the champion struggled to get his legs under him. It's possible his equilibrium was thrown off because of blood in his left ear, a sign of a possible ruptured eardrum.

Fury scored a second knockdown in the fifth round with a classic combination. He cracked Wilder in the face, and with the Bronze Bomber's guard up, sent him to the canvas with a left hook to a wide-open midsection. 

Here's the highlight, via Fox Sports PBC:

The referee deducted a point from Fury in that round because of headlocks, preventing him from getting a two-point advantage. The sixth was another brutal, grinding slugfest, with a battered Wilder unable to do anything to keep Fury off him.

Fury literally got his licks in, as ESPN's Skip Bayless noted:

Since Wilder had a cut lip, a busted ear and unsteady legs, Ring's Ryan Songalia felt he shouldn't go out for the seventh:

That turned out to be the right call. Wilder had no answer for his opponent's constant barrage. Fury trapped him in the corner in the seventh, and Wilder's corner and the referee ended the lopsided fight.

Wilder could try to set up a trilogy, but he will need time to recover. Fury, meanwhile, is in command of the heavyweight division. He might try to set up a unification bout down the road with Anthony Joshua, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF world titles.