Tyson Fury says it's ‘written in the stars’ for him to beat Deontay Wilder in WBC heavyweight title showdown

The 30-year-old Briton is convinced he will triumph in Los Angeles in December to set up a bout with Anthony Joshua

Tuesday 09 October 2018 11:25 BST
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Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder sqaure up during presser

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Tyson Fury has told Deontay Wilder it is "written in the stars" that he will beat the American in style when they clash in the ring.

Fury challenges Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 1.

It will be only the third bout of Fury's comeback - after defeating Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta - following a two-and-a-half-year absence from the ring.

The 30-year-old Briton (27-0, 19 KOs) said on BT Sport's 'Face Off' programme while sat at a table across from Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs): "The fact that I've chosen you after having two fights coming back, and that I want this fight, is a statement for the world to see.

"I want this to be one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history, similar to George Foreman, Muhammad Ali and the other great comeback fighters.

"If I can win this belt they'll put me amongst the greats of the comebacks. All the controversy and stuff I've been through, adds to the flavour.

"I know for a fact deep down in my soul, it's written in the stars for me to come back and wipe you out, in style, in America. And everyone is going to say 'how did he do that?' And I'm going to say 'I told you so.' I'm back.

"I'm beating you one million per cent. I have no doubts, even after all the time off - you cannot beat me. I know deep in my heart you can't beat me.

Fury and Wilder recently concluded a transatlantic promotional tour
Fury and Wilder recently concluded a transatlantic promotional tour (Getty)

"I know no-one can - I'll retire unbeaten heavyweight champion of the world, like Rocky Marciano, the second man to do it in history. You can't beat me and 10 more like you can't beat me."

Wilder told Fury, "it's not your time", adding: "This is my time. It will forever be my time until I retire. Because I speak it, believe it, receive it, speak it, believe it, receive it, speak it, believe it, receive it."

Fury also said he had "the psychological edge" because Wilder's nickname of the 'Bronze Bomber' means "a third-placed man."

When Wilder later warned his opponent that on the night of the fight "you're not going to be looking into the eyes of Deontay Wilder, you'll be looking in the eyes of the Bronze Bomber - you're going to feel him too", Fury asked if he was talking about "an alter-ego" or "a spirit".

He added: "You're already beat. Anyone who has to have an alter-ego and not be themselves in there, and try to get in someone's mind like that - you can't beat me."

Wilder subsequently chanted, "there's only one Bronze Bomber" a number of times at Fury, to which the latter responded: "I can see it now, the alter-ego coming through. You and your alter-ego are a pack of bums.

"Where are you from? Who are you? You're a bum from Alabama who is getting knocked out."

As the programme drew to a conclusion with both men rising from their seats, Wilder said he was going to "baptise" Fury, who called the the 32-year-old "a skinny little man" and "a basketball player."

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