Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder 3 preview and prediction

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder meet for the third time at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 9. Here’s who has the edge in the trilogy bout. 

It’s almost here–finally. The trilogy bout between heavyweights Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder is only days away. Saturday, Oct. 9, is the date of their pay-per-view meeting, and many thought it might never come.

Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) got the better of Wilder in their second bout and won the WBC heavyweight title after stopping Wilder via TKO in round 7. A rematch clause was supposed to enact the third fight shortly after the second, but the pandemic hit, and all plans were off.

Fury and his team tried to get out of the rematch clause, citing elapsed time, but an arbitrator saw things differently and ordered Fury vs. Wilder 3 to take place. Fury was in talks for a full unification contest with Anthony Joshua, but the arbitrator’s ruling ended that.

Now, Joshua’s titles belong to Oleksandr Usyk, and they have a rematch of their own in the works. Hopefully, the winner of Fury vs. Wilder can meet the victor of Usyk vs. Joshua without any sanctioning body interference.

First, let’s take a look at who’s most likely to win Fury vs. Wilder 3.

Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder 3 preview

You got a little history on the backstory between Fury and Wilder, but there’s so much more.

Wilder and Fury first fought in 2018. Fury was the better boxer, but Wilder dropped him in rounds 9 and 12. Fury miraculously beat the 10-count to go the 12-round distance. It was ruled a split-draw.

The rematch more than a year later wasn’t close. Fury brought the pain to Wilder, dropping him twice before Wilder’s corner threw in the towel in round 7. Trainer Mark Breland was fired for that move, and drama ensued.

Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) made numerous outstanding claims ranging from being drugged to being fatigued due to the weight of his ring walk outfit. The pandemic followed along with more drama.

Fury and Wilder were supposed to fight on July 24, but Fury tested positive for COVID-19 in early July. Some accused Fury of trying to buy more time to get in shape, but that’s one of many conspiracy theories that have emerged between these two over the last year and a half.

Fury and Wilder get to throw down and put an end to all the smack talk. Wilder has spent most of his time since his lone defeat training with new trainer Malik Scott. Will his retooled skills switch the previous outcome?

Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder 3 prediction

Fury is still a betting favorite, according to Wynnbet.com. Wilder is a 2-1 underdog, but those are closer odds than they would have been if they fought months after their second fight.

Fury boxed masterfully last time, but Wilder’s power badly damaged Fury in the first fight. Wilder’s power is always a factor. Videos of his training sessions show him lifting heavy weight, jumping rope, and displaying better footwork.

Scott has changed Wilder’s training habits and routine for the better, but they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Wilder is 35 years old.

Fury’s conditioning is often the subject of scrutiny, but he never looks chiseled. He thumped Wilder at 270 pounds in their second fight. He seemed focused and serious in his last media call.

Anything can happen between Fury and Wilder, as seen in their two fights together. They each know what the other brings, and a sharpened Wilder should fair better against Fury the third time around.

However, don’t expect Wilder to win. Skills pay the bills, and Fury has the best skills in heavyweight boxing. Wilder will give him a run for the money, but Fury proved he could take Wilder’s best shot. Don’t be surprised if this fight goes the distance.

Fury and Wilder might be hesitant to trade because of their past. A boxing match could erupt, and that favors Fury every time. FanSided is picking Fury to win via unanimous decision. Most expect a knockout but expect the unexpected when Fury and Wilder come together.