Deontay Wilder promises 'redemption, retaliation, retribution' against Tyson Fury

LAS VEGAS — Deontay Wilder has finally talked to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. It may be a good thing for the Tuscaloosa native and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist.

Wilder addressed Fury at the Wednesday news conference leading to their Saturday fight at the T-Mobile Arena after not speaking to him, or anybody, during their summer press conference announcing the bout.

This MGM Grand Garden Arena event began as more of the same, but with a more talkative Wilder. Then Wilder (42-1-1) finally spoke to the man who gave him his only career loss last February.

The two went back and forth over a myriad of topics: Wilder's accusations of Fury cheating, their legacies and Fury's seventh round-technical knockout of Wilder in 2020.

Fury (30-0-1) was the louder voice all afternoon, and probably is on any day, but seemed more moved by the near five-minute exchange. Wilder sat on a stool the entire event. Fury paced the stage.

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Wilder's accusations, glove-tampering a main one, haven't been proven, but Wilder has maintained they aren't true. He was unbothered as Fury asked legitimate questions about the claim. Wilder rebutted most questions, mainly claiming he knows the truth.

Every now and then Wilder said Fury had "nervous energy." Wilder even laughed.

Both men raised their voices and swore at each other, but Fury was more animated.

Regardless, "The Bronze Bomber" from Tuscaloosa showing an ability to keep composure is a positive going into a fight where many aren't giving him a chance.

"I'm in a great state of mind, have always been," Wilder said. "Got a lot of great people around me that have been covering me all this time. It's nothing to prove at all. This right here is redemption, retaliation, retribution and all of the above."

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The trilogy bout for Fury’s titles has been postponed, most recently when Fury and his camp had a COVID-19 outbreak.

This is the first fight for both since Fury defeated Wilder by technical knockout in the seventh round. They fought to a draw in December 2018.

ESPN and Fox are offering the PPV fight for $79.99. ESPN 2 and FS1 are broadcasting the weigh-in Friday at 4 p.m.