Pundits predicted either Deontay Wilder by knockout or Tyson Fury on points.
Both outcomes almost took place but, in the end, neither occurred as the judges’ declared the WBC heavyweight title fight a split draw.
Fury boxed masterfully for large stages of his first world title fight since his time away from the ring, avoiding the vast majority of Wilder’s power shots on Saturday night.
But the defending champion had Fury down on two occasions and almost earned the 40th knockout of his professional career in the final round.
After falling behind to some stunning Fury boxing in the first half of the bout, Wilder knew he needed a stoppage and with two minutes remaining, he came within a whisker of getting just that as he sent Fury sprawling to the canvas with a devastating combination.
It looked for all the world that Fury was unconscious but after several deep breaths, he climbed to his feet, regained his composure and saw out the 12 rounds.
.@BronzeBomber knocks down Fury and he's back up! #WilderFury pic.twitter.com/XRdc6FdxYL
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 2, 2018
The judges’ decision was met with deafening boos as they delivered scorecards reading 115-111 in favour of Wilder, 114-110 in favour of Fury and a 113-113 draw.
While not as egregious as the draw which took place when Gennady Golovkin fought Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez last September, several fans felt that the lack of closure on Saturday night also conveniently sets up a rematch between Fury and Wilder.
Both men are set to earn career-high paydays for their night’s work, with the California State Athletic Commission confirming disclosed purses of $4 million and $3 million for Wilder and Fury respectively and much more expected by the time their cuts of pay-per-view revenue are taken into account.
With scores of 115-111 for @BronzeBomber, 114-110 for @Tyson_Fury and 113-113 – #WilderFury is a draw pic.twitter.com/5BU3YteW49
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 2, 2018
