LONDON – Britain's Tyson Fury has told WBC heavyweight champion
Deontay Wilder he will put the American into 'permanent retirement'
when they fight for the second time in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The pair had to be separated as they tried to out-muscle each other
with a trade of pushes at their press conference this week before
Saturday's bout at the MGM Grand Arena.
After the exchange, Fury shouted: "He was like a featherweight when I
pushed him across the room. You're knees are shaking, you are the
challenger, you're here to make numbers for me."
In the first fight they had in Los Angeles in 2018, Fury climbed off
the canvas twice, including a dramatic rise from being seemingly
unconscious in the 12th round to earn a draw.
The former heavyweight champion, who dethroned Wladimir Klitschko to
win the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in 2015, says Wilder's days as WBC
(World Boxing Council) champion are numbered.
"This is a big act for him," said Fury.
"He is nervous underneath, I can see his heart beating through his
jumper, he is terrified and he is getting knocked out."
After beating Klitschko in 2015, Fury was forced into a three-year
break due to issues with drug abuse, alcohol and excessive weight
gain that almost led to suicide.
"I found you when you were strung out on coke, as big as a house and
contemplating killing yourself," blasted Wilder live on stage at the
MGM.
"I brought you back, put food on your table. I brought you to
big-time boxing. I rehabilitated him back. And I'm doing it for a
second time. Don't you forget that."
Fury immediately responded to that remark by saying: "He is spouting
rubbish saying he gave me an opportunity."
The British heavyweight added that Wilder should show him more
gratitude after helping him earn a big pay day in their first
meeting.
"I gave him the biggest payday of his life," Fury added. " (I)
brought him to Las Vegas and this is how he thanks me. He has a lot
of appreciation for someone who put millions in his account."
Fury, who is unbeaten in 30 fights, is only the second fighter to
last the full 12-round distance with Wilder as "the bronze bomber"
has a powerful reputation with 41 knock-outs from 42 victories.
However, Fury is certain of becoming a two-time champion on Saturday
by telling Wilder to "hold on to my belt for me, keep it nice and
clean."
"In round 12 last time when I went at him, he couldn't contain me,"
Fury continued. "If I do that from round one he will be gassed out by
round five."
# Notebook
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## Editorial contacts
- Reporting by: Nate Williams in Las Vegas
- Editing by: Barry Whelan, +49 30 285231472,
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