Bob Arum credits Deontay Wilder’s power, says if he connects it will be ‘lights out’ for Tyson Fury

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is obviously encouraged by Tyson Fury’s chances to beat Deontay Wilder in their planned October trilogy, but makes it a point not to discount the fact that Wilder holds that equalizer when it comes to brute force punching. Talking to Sky Sports about his impressions of the fight, Arum says he believes it’s clear that Fury is the better fighter between the two, but says Fury will still have to be wary of that one-hitter-quitter.

“Fury is the better fighter, he proved that in the first fight which was called a draw. He certainly proved it in the second fight. I don’t think there is any heavyweight in boxing who has the one-punch firepower that Wilder has. But who is the better fighter? Clearly Tyson. Who is more skilful? Clearly Tyson. Who has the harder punch? Clearly Wilder. If he connects, it is lights out. That makes it interesting.”

Wilder has supposedly adopted an even meaner approach to training camp with him and trainer Malik Scott planning a ‘legal homicide’ for this outing, but it’s nothing new for Wilder to promise death and destruction in the ring. Last time out, however, he’s the one who took the brutal beating that forced his corner to throw in the towel.

That said, Wilder has proven to have the ability to level any fighter in the world should he land one good shot, nearly putting Fury out cold in their first meeting before Fury’s late-game heroics to make it to his feet and finish the fight, earning a much-disputed draw. Wherever this third fight goes, you can be certain there will be bad intentions on opposite sides of the ring.