In a feature article for Eat, Sleep, Boxing, Repeat I look back at the first heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, as well as the long history of "long counts" in boxing. Below is an extract:
"The first fight between the two undefeated heavyweight champions, produced one of the most exciting rounds in recent history. Behind on points, according to longtime pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather, the 'Bronze Bomber' seemed on the brink of defeat. As the bell rang to conclude the eleventh round, the British and Irish fans packing the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, exploded in applause in anticipation of the Gypsy King's impending victory. But a comeback mirroring the achievements of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, or even 'Iron' Mike Tyson, who all reclaimed the title after a long hiatus away from the ring, was not to be that night."The bell rang for the twelfth and final round, and 35 seconds in, Wilder finally connected clean with the knock out power that had, at that time, secured his championship reign through seven successive title defenses. Ironically, if the fight had taken place in a British venue, the fight would have likely been waived off by the referee as soon as Fury's unconscious body had hit the ring canvas."Instead, while Wilder and the American fans began to celibate, Referee Jack Reiss, seeing that Fury was down but conscious began to count. One, two, three...nothing...four, five...still nothing. Then at the count of six, Fury somehow began to move his arms and legs, and by the count of nine was on his feet, moving left to right as instructed by the referee, and ready to continue the fight. Rushing in, exhausted Wilder attempted to save his championship, desperately going for another knock out, but Fury came back, almost knocking out the knockout artist before the final bell. It was the kind of excitement that makes the heavyweight division so special, everything can change in the blink of an eye."
