Haye, Bellew, Nelson, Froch, Watt, McCrory and Moore
Saturday 16 January 2016 20:42, UK
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury have called each other out so we asked The Panel who would win if they fought now... plus what they are expecting from the Bronze Bomber's WBC heayweight title defence against Artur Szpilka in the early hours of Sunday morning...
Right now, my opinion is that they're at the same level and it's a very hard pick. Fury is fighting Klitschko again anyway and doesn't want to make the mistake of leapfrogging that with an eye on Wilder. I think Fury beats Klitschko again, more convincingly, and that will elevate him even higher, confidence-wise. Once that happens, I'd back him to beat Wilder.
Wilder is the more destructive of the two. Wilder and Fury are similar in build - long arms and rangy. Energetic with bounce in their step. If Fury fought Wilder, it'd be very different to Klitschko because Wilder doesn't just throw one shot at a time. Klitschko was a defensive fighter and couldn't change into an offensive one. Fighting Wilder would be completely different - the shots Wilder throws come from everywhere, long or inside.
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: I think Wilder pulls it off and stops him inside the distance. As long as he keeps his motivation he finishes it inside eight.
I'd put my money on... Deontay Wilder. I've sparred with him so I know how good he is and of course I haven't shared a ring with Tyson Fury.
Wilder can hit hard and just going on the Fury fight against Wladimir Klitschko and that one result, I'd definitely see Wilder winning by knockout.
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: I don't know much about Szpilka, but I know Wilder can punch hard, for the full 12 rounds. Don't forget he's the champion, he's on home turf, so it's going to be a good fight. I am expecting a KO.
I would pick Fury. Wilder's got power but I think the world title has weighed heavy on his shoulders. Against Eric Molina he looked in trouble a few times and he wasn't very good last time out, either. It's as if he is boxing on egg-shells now, ever since going out and getting that world title. It seems to have tightened him up. I have not gone overboard about Wilder and he has plenty more to do.
We know Fury is difficult to hit. I've always appreciated his style and while he's not my kind of heavyweight, who flit around on their toes and send in light shots - not like Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis - Fury is very, very difficult to beat. He's not really come close to being beaten - including against Wladimir Klitschko.
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: Szpilka is an awkward southpaw but I fancy Wilder to win. I am more concerned about the manner of the victory, and whether he shows us that he is finally settled into the role of world champion. Let's hope for a knockout.
I'd have to go for Fury. His awkwardness and his ability to stick to a game plan is key. Even when he was winning quite handily against Wladimir Klitschko - and I know it wasn't a great fight to watch - he stuck to his tactics well.
I've got a feeling he'd be able to avoid Wilder's bombs with his awkwardness. He's so unorthodox and that would be too much for Wilder. I think Wilder would hold up alright under Fury's shots but Fury would win it on points.
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: I don't think it's as much of a foregone conclusion as a lot of people think. Early on, I think Szpilka will have some success but I'm going for a Wilder stoppage after the half-way point.
It's a tough one but I would go with Fury, right now. But I will say it's on a knife-edge because Wilder is what his name says: he's wild - from the first bell to the last bell. He would present far more difficult problems and dangers than Wladimir Klitschko, because Wlad's a thinker and needs time but doesn't like to have to adapt - like we saw in the first fight.
Going in against Wilder, Fury would have to be way more alert at what's coming at him, so his game plan would have to be tighter and he would have to be focused every minute of every round.
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: I beat Szpilka as an amateur in his own backyard and he is easy to hit and predictable. The only threat - and a small threat - to Wilder is he's a southpaw. I see Wilder stopping Szpilka inside four rounds.
Fury beat the man who beat the man and that will give him an immense amount of confidence. If Fury fought Wilder right now, it would be an absolute war. It'd be two undefeated fighters putting everything on the line. They obviously have other fights booked, but let's hope this one happens one day.
I wouldn't pick anyone above Fury at the moment because he finds a way to win. I make him the No 1 heavyweight in the world. Wilder needs to fight bigger names. He needs an Anthony Joshua because at the moment, he's fighting a barrow-load of nobodies.
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: I haven't seen a lot of Szpilka but I'm hearing a lot about Joseph Parker and he's from the other side of the world! So I can't imagine he'll pose many problems to Wilder.
I would back Fury to beat him, He doesn't look as big as Tyson, a little gangly and I can see him pushing him back, bullying him and messing him around. I am not sure he would knock him out even if he chinned him because he's not a concussive puncher, Fury.
Even though I don't see it ending early I think it would be quite comfortable for Fury and it would certainly be an entertaining fight for us. If Wilder connects it is a different matter but it would be great to watch, not just in the build-up! I would go with Fury on points, and imagine if it was for the WBC?
Wilder v Szpilka prediction: Szpilka will give it a real go but Wilder should come through this quite comfortably but if he can do something decent, we could be in for a knockout - and put his name out there.
