Tyson Fury had little trouble on Saturday in defeating Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight championship. Fury retained his lineal heavyweight title and also took Wilder’s unbeaten record with the seventh round TKO.
Fury pounced from the outset, and Wilder could never get going. Wilder has said he will invoke his rematch clause to fight again this summer, and in doing so, offered up one of the more unique excuses for the loss. He blamed the 45-pound costume he wore to the ring, claiming it weakened his legs.
Full story coming to @TheAthleticBOX shortly: Deontay Wilder @BronzeBomber tells me he is definitely exercising his rematch clause for a summer trilogy against @Tyson_Fury, that his legs were weakened by his 45-pound costume he wore to the ring to honor Black History Month.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) February 24, 2020
If you missed the fight, or at least the pre-fight ring walks, here is video of Wilder headed to the ring wearing his full costume.
The Bronze Bomber is seeing red before #WilderFury2
— ESPN (@espn) February 23, 2020
Stream #WilderFury2 on ESPN+ ▶️ https://t.co/mqDaw5quAI pic.twitter.com/NTxf4xZ9PC
Wilder was favored in the fight, closing near -125 to win, and +125 to win by stoppage. Fury Closed near +105 to win, was +170 to win by points and +500 to win by stoppage. The betting public backed Wilder to a sizable degree, with 75 percent of bets and handle at DraftKings Sportsbook on the then WBC champion heading into the weekend.
Fury is assured of being the favorite for their rematch, and it might be even more so if the British champ gets to host the fight. If you’re thinking of betting on Wilder, it would appear now you need to consider his pre-fight ring attire. Whether his excuse is legit or not, I’m guessing we’ll see him dressed in a much simpler fashion for the rematch.