This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
On December 1, 2018, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury fought to a split decision draw in their WBC heavyweight world title fight in Los Angeles. Now, the two boxers are set to face off again in a highly anticipated rematch at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on February 22.
Top Rank and Premier Boxing Champions announced on Friday that tickets for the bout would go on sale on Saturday, after the venue was confirmed.
Deontay Wilder, who will make his 11th title defense, expressed his excitement about the rematch, saying, "I'm happy and I'm excited that the rematch is finally happening."
Wilder, who is coming off a seventh-round knockout of Luis Ortiz on November 23 in Las Vegas, aims to give his fans what they want to see, as he has done in his last three outings.
"I want to give the fans what they want to see. I've been doing it with my last three outings -- Fury, (Dominic) Breazeale and Ortiz," he said. "They've been spectacular events -- from my ring walks, where I gather all the energy of the people, to my uniforms that I wear to help spread that energy. Then I give them what they all come for -- the knockouts, and my knockouts have been amazing."
Wilder and Fury's first fight was a highly controversial one, with many questioning the decision. However, Wilder is confident that he will emerge victorious in the rematch, saying, "I proved myself the first time and I'm ready to do it again. It was a very controversial fight. I promise my fans that there won't be any controversy with this one. I'm going to finish it."
Tyson Fury, who survived two severe cuts to beat Otto Wallin by unanimous decision in September, is looking forward to taking care of "unfinished business" against Wilder.
"The date has been set, and the 'Bomb Squad' is about to be securely detonated and the real champion crowned as the world watches on for the most anticipated fight in years," Fury said.
"This is unfinished business for me, but come February 22, this dosser will finally get what’s coming to him, and I can't wait!"
