Tyson Fury produced a stunning performance of patience and power to stop Deontay Wilder in the seventh round to finally win the WBC world heavyweight title.
Fourteen months on from his controversial draw with Wilder – when he outboxed the champion only for two knockdowns to deny him the famous green belt – Fury had vowed to take the fight to the American.
He did just that, flooring the champion twice and completely dominating the action before Wilder's corner threw the towel in to save the despairing, bewildered champion from more punishment.
Here's every word from Fury and his promoter Bob Arum after the fight:
Arum
“All I have to say is Tyson Fury stuck to the game plan. Maybe they tried to to throw him off that,m but Tyson executed it to perfection and knocked Wilder out in the seventh round. You can’t say you didn’t know what he would do because he told us all.
“When he told me his game plan, I told him that it was the absolute right game plan.
“You don’t fight a puncher by dancing away for 12 rounds because you’re playing with fire. At any time you could get hit by his best shot. You’ve got to jump on him and tire him out and take him into deep waters. that’s what he did and that’s how he won the fight.”
Can you put this in context?
“It was certainly one of my memorable events particularly in the heavyweight division. Muhammad Ali’s various fights with Frazier and Norton, the great George Foreman knocking out Michael Moorer at 45 and now low and behold, Top Rank, has another heavyweight champion. I feel great.”
Third fight or move on?
“The question is directed to Deontay Wilder. He can opt out of a third now and get himself together and do it again next year in which case Tyson Fury will keep himself busy with other opponents. If he wants to go ahead, that’s what the contract says and we will honour that.”
Fury
“Were you not entertained?”
“Deontay Wilder never went down easy. I have a lump on the side my temple. I had to overcome a lot. I always believed if he couldn’t beat when I was at 50 per cent, then I knew he had no chance.
“I look forward to the next fight, the rematch if he wants it.
“I was pretty pissed because I predicted round two.”
“I had nothing to hide, I said what I would do to him. I’ve never been the type of boxer to sit back.
“When I made the decision to leave Ben Davison, who did very well for me, people questioned that. But I did it for a reason and it’s worked out the best for me.”
Gameplan?
“What I did didn’t work last time. A draw is a failure in my book because I didn’t win. I wanted a KO and the only way I could guarantee a win was by knockout. SugarHill told me that I could knock him out and I believed him. He told me I would knock him out.
“I felt Deontay’s jab had improved. I was very impressed with his double jab and credit to his team for that.”
Your most complete performance?
“I’m my own worst critic. I know I can do better. I’ve only just started with this style. It takes years to perfect, but I’m a quick learner, don’t forget. He said I can’t punch. He said I have two pillow fists, so not bad for an old fat guy, who can’t punch!”
Joshua next?
“I want to enjoy the spoils of war first and my after-fight party at Hakkasan, the Gypsy King is taking over!
“Deontay Wilder will need time to recover. I think he will want to take the rematch, so I’m pretty sure we will do it again. If not, these are the people (his promoters) who will decide and what ever they want to do against whoever.”
Are you now the biggest puncher in the division?
“I’m supposed to be an old feather duster who couldn’t crack eggs! My record now is 30 wins with 29 KOs. Not bad and I’ve never looked for knockout.
“With this technique, we can knock out anybody. When I jumped on the scales and weighed over 270lbs, people said I had underestimated Wilder. Tonight in there I felt like a beast.”
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