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Tyson Fury And Deontay Wilder Draw World Heavyweight Title Fight In Los Angeles

Tyson Fury And Deontay Wilder Draw World Heavyweight Title Fight In Los Angeles

In a fight for the ages, both men left the ring with their pride intact.

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder played out an enthralling draw in their WBC world heavyweight championship bout in Los Angeles.

The judges couldn't decide and the eventual result was a split decision after a fight that saw Fury control the ring, but Wilder unload the bigger shots.

The three judges scored the fight 115 - 111 for Wilder, 114 - 110 for Fury, and 113 - 113. Despite the initial disappointment at the lack of a winner, in the cold light of day it will seem a fair result.

On two occasions, Fury had to pull himself off the canvas to remain in the bout, but he gave as good as he got over the piece.

All of the signs clearly point towards a rematch after this fight proved just too close to call.

BT Sport Box Office

Fury looked typically full of confidence on the way to the ring, but even he must have known his comeback had seen him fight only Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta. Deontay Wilder represented a step up in class for the 'Gypsy King'.

Wilder, for his part, wore a gigantic gold crown and mask for his ring walk, emphasising his belief that despite the return of the lineal champion to the ring, he was the boss.

Fury began the fight in typically cocky style, on occasion goading his opponent with his arms behind his back. However, Wilder seemed unfazed and obviously safe in the knowledge that he had the power to win.

As the first round ended both men exchanged heavy blows and let the other know that they were going nowhere.

As the second round ended, Wilder landed the first real right hand on Fury. The British fighter wore it, and even had the time to call his opponent a 'dosser' as the bell tolled.

The fight was unfolding as many had predicted - Fury ducking, weaving, and taunting, Wilder waiting patiently to unload his explosive power - but it remained too close for even the most educated observer to call.

BT Sport Box Office

Throughout the middle of the fight the tone was set. Wilder landing more shots on thin air than his huge opponent, Fury dancing around the ring and attempting to land when he could. More of a chess match than a heavyweight boxing blockbuster.

That sort of bout favoured Fury, but Wilder remained worthy of his care and was serving regular reminders of his power and guile.

Then, in the seventh, Fury had the crowd off their feet with a big right that clearly shook the defending champ. Wilder responded with huge flurries but in reality, he was wasting energy clobbering the air around Tyson Fury rather than unleashing onto his opponent.

PA

As is so often the case, Fury was producing a boxing masterclass. Wilder couldn't live with his evasive tactics and sought to land the Hollywood shot knowing he was behind on all available cards.

Arguably, that made him the most dangerous opponent that he could be. One shot would be enough, as is always the case when Wilder fights.

That shot came in the ninth. Despite having controlled the fight, Fury found himself staring up from the canvas.

Wilder was given new purpose and started to unload the heavy blows that gave him his 'Bronze Bomber' moniker.

Fury came back, though. As the round finished he was back trading and goading his opponent once more. The round belonged to the American, however.

Wilder's effort in the ninth seemed to have drained him somewhat, and Fury once again looked the more confident as the fight entered the championship rounds.

As the tenth ended, Fury once again taunted his opponent and it seemed as if the game was up for the Alabamian Wilder.

At the conclusion of the penultimate round, Fury held his arms aloft as if to claim victory early. After navigating the next three minutes, the decision seemed inevitable.

However, Wilder was not finished. He found himself looking up at Wilder and defeat once again with more than half the final round to go.

Wilder was unloading head shots at will and looking for the crucial blow. However, Fury showed amazing heart to fight back and land shots of his own.

PA

As the final bell rang, Fury sprinted around the ring as much in relief as in triumph. That wasn't the end of the drama.

The anxious wait began, and eventually left everyone feeling a bit unfulfilled as the judges couldn't split the two fighters.

Boos rang out as the split decision draw was announced, but as the dust settles, both camps will be pleased.

Despite the paying public being slightly disappointed, the result was fair as neither man deserved to lose a fight that will live long in the memory.

Two warriors at the peak of their powers, two different styles, two world class fighters. Inseparable on the cards.

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Topics: SPORT, UK News, sports news, Boxing, US Entertainment