Tyson Fury tells Deontay Wilder ‘mind games won’t work with me’ ahead of trilogy fight

British fighter Fury is preparing for a third meeting with his American rival

Pa Sport Staff
Tuesday 05 October 2021 09:16 BST
Deontay Wilder, left, suffered his only professional defeat at the hands of Tyson Fury
Deontay Wilder, left, suffered his only professional defeat at the hands of Tyson Fury (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tyson Fury insists he is not affected by mind games ahead of his WBC heavyweight title defence against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas.

World champion Fury is preparing for a third meeting with his American rival having knocked him out in February 2020 after their first contest ended in a draw.

Wilder chose to remain silent at a previous press conference and Fury says he will not be unsettled by his opponent’s behaviour going into Saturday’s bout.

“I don’t care what they do. None of my business,” Fury told Sky Sports. “I keep my own business to myself and I don’t really care what that big dosser does, nothing.

“I don’t care what he does. If he talks or he doesn’t, it doesn’t make any difference to me. Mind games don’t work with me anyway.”

Defeat to Fury is the sole loss on Wilder’s professional record.

The 33-year-old Briton is overwhelming favourite to retain his title as he bids to extend his undefeated streak to 32 fights.

“I don’t think it matters, what he does, because it’s not about him, it’s about me, what I do,” Fury said. “It wouldn’t matter if he ran around the ring in a circle, if he comes forward throwing bombs.

“It doesn’t make any difference. When we’re in there, I’ll adjust to whatever it is on the night and what he’s going to do. Winning is winning, an inch or a mile – I’ll take a knockout or I’ll take a points victory.

“It doesn’t matter, as long as you get the win, you move on to the next one.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in