Will Tyson Fury’s Cut Heal in Time for a Rematch with the Bronze Bomber?

Tyson Fury (29-0-1) is the king of the comeback. In 2018, Fury completed his greatest one yet. He overcame a slew of personal problems, and then nearly won a world title once again. But he had to settle for a controversial draw against unbeaten WBC champion Deontay Wilder (41-0-1).

Still his amazing journey from down-and-out to almost winning a world title has been mightily impressive. When Fury came back from his two-year layoff, he beat Sefer Seferi (23-3-1) and Francesco Pianeta (35-5-1). Then in just his third fight back he fought the Bronze Bomber. Fittingly, Fury won the prestigious Ring Magazine Comeback of the Year award. Now Fury is again on a collision course to fight Wilder for the second time. However, nothing is plane sailing with the Gypsy King as he faces adversity yet again.

Actually Fury faced — and overcame — adversity in his last fight, against the unbeaten Otto Wallin (20-1). An op-ed by Metro called the fight a wake-up call for the lineal champ, who didn’t look himself at all against Wallin. Fury was resilient as ever. But he looked beatable. This match with Wallin was supposed to be a walk in the park for Fury. And as expected Fury was the heavy favourite going into the fight with a preview by bwin Boxing predicting that Fury would stop the Swede inside six rounds. The fight was even billed as “another marking-time bout” for Fury, who was expected to breeze past Wallin. But rather than chalk up an easy win, Fury found himself in a dogfight. In the third round he suffered a massive cut, from a Wallin left hook. Fury, as he often does, figured out a way to win.

Fury’s recent form adds a layer of intrigue to the Wilder rematch, scheduled for next February. That is, if it even pushes through as planned. Fury actually has cuts on his right eyelid, and both need to completely heal first. The question now is whether or not they will heal in time for the rematch. Fury has long eyed this return engagement with Wilder, and it is a fight that will generate massive interest among fans. It would be a major downer if it doesn’t happen due to Fury’s cuts, or for any other reason for that matter.

News from Fury’s camp has so far been positive. “I’ve always said Tyson is a freak of nature so he’s healing pretty quickly and pretty well,” Ben Davison told Sky Sports. But Davison did not provide a concrete timetable. He did confirm that the two cuts were the most severe he has seen. Of the two, though, the smaller one right on the eyelid has given Fury the most problem. Still, Davison fully expects Fury to be 100% ready for Wilder.

However, a bigger concern right now might be the indecisive Wilder. Rival promoter Eddie Hearn thinks the Bronze Bomber would rather fight the winner of the Andy Ruiz-Anthony Joshua rematch. “I don’t see how the February fight with Fury can happen,” Hearn remarked. “I don’t think anything will happen until that fight takes place, because you’ve got Joshua, Ruiz who’s with the PBC and Al Haymon, so is Deontay Wilder.” This scenario would leave Fury as the odd man out. That would be a shame. The Gypsy King deserves a second shot at Wilder. And hopefully he will get it in February.