The world wanted to know the fight weights for Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury before their anticipated rematch. The results are in, and theyāre interesting.
If fan reaction to todayās Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 2 weigh-in is any indication of future pay-per-view buys, then this event is going to be a huge success.
Fans lined up outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena 3-4 hours before the weigh-in. Once inside, the atmosphere was charged. The DJ was spinning hits, and devotees erupted whenever Wilder or Fury was shown live on the jumbo screens before the event.
Somewhat surprisingly, the crowd was definitely pro-Fury. British fans stormed Las Vegas in force and made their voices heard. They cheered loudly for Fury and jeered even more aggressively against Wilder.
After the boxers in the preliminary bouts weighed in, it was time for Wilder and Fury to hit the scales.
Fury, as the challenger, was first to weigh-in. As he made his way to the stage, he was showered with love from the many British fans who came to watch him fight. He said multiple times before the fight that he wanted to weigh around 270. During the weekās press events, Fury appeared lighter than their previous bout. He weighed 256 in 2018 against Wilder. Looks can be deceiving.
Furyās weight for the rematch was 273 pounds. While on the scale, he kept his cutoff shirt on and never fully revealed his physique.
Next, Wilder approached the stage to a mixture of boos and cheers. He didnāt receive the warm reception Fury did.
Wilder tipped the scales at 231 pounds as he flexed his muscles for the crowd. Thatās 19 pounds heavier than he was the first time against Fury.
The higher weight for each boxer has a different impact. Itās positive for Wilder. He admitted to FanSided that his low weight in the first fight was due to personal problems, and his trainer Jay Deas attributed it to poor nutritional habits.
Itās hard to tell if Furyās added weight is muscle or fat. If itās muscle, then it could be a sign that heās serious about trying to knock Wilder out. If itās fat, then heās out of shape. Either way, added weight could fatigue him at a faster weight throughout the fight. Technically, the same could be said for Wilder.
There wasnāt a traditional faceoff. The Nevada State Athletic Commission banned it after Wilder and Fury shoved each other during Wednesdayās press conference. NSAC commissioner Bob Bennett expressed to FanSided that the commission was concerned about the possibilities of another physical confrontation. Instead, Wilder and Fury stared at each other from across the stage.
The formalities are over, and the only thing left is the fight. Wilder vs. Fury 2 is receiving a lot of coverage. Letās hope this matchup lives up to the hype. It all happens on Saturday, Feb. 22. The pay-per-view coverage begins at 9 p.m ET and can be purchased through FOX or ESPN+.