TYSON FURY and Dillian Whyte will settle their old score once and for all this Saturday.
After years of back-and-forths which saw former friends turn to enemies, the two will finally put reputations on the line.
Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte ahead of their fight
Fury, 33, defends his WBC heavyweight crown against long-time mandatory challenger Whyte, 34, at Wembley.
An all-out thriller has been promised but in reality with so much on the line it could a chess match.
Here, SunSport breaks down where the fight will be won and lost.
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Controlling the range
With such a height difference – Fury standing at 6ft 9in compared to 6ft 4in Whyte – the distance between them is vital.
The Gypsy King will want to use his massive 85in reach and keep Whyte on the end of his jab, whether that be coming forward or on the back foot.
For the challenger, closing the distance to mid-range is key, where he can fire off hooks and body shots.
Whyte will not want to be standing in front of Fury and has to keep moving, whether that is coming forward or feinting.
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Getting on the inside
As established, Whyte must get up close and personal with Fury.
To do so, the double jab, punches to the chest and body blows will need to be utilised.
Fury has shown in his fights with Otto Wallin, 30, and Deontay Wilder, 36, that he can bend the knees and work away.
But in this instance, he will want to try and keep Whyte from getting in the pocket.
Tactical approach
As the smaller man Whyte’s approach could be deemed more straight forward – but for Fury, he is as unpredictable as they come.
The two-time champ has teased that he could even box southpaw, which would make landing the left hook and ramrod jab harder for Whyte.
In his last two fights, Fury has also transitioned into a come-forward pressure fighter.
He has promised to keep it up, but fighting aggressively could play into Whyte’s hands, making Fury’s choice of tactics game-changing.
Being first
As a counter-puncher and masterful boxer, Fury does not have to lead the dance.
But for Whyte, being first to the punch could be imperative.
Or else he will allow Fury to set and get in a rhythm that is famously hard to halt.
If Whyte can be first it allows him to offset Fury and dictate the pace, maybe even forcing the champ into a mistake or two.
Dillian Whyte needs to be first and beat Tyson Fury to the punch
Height difference
Fury’s size could allow him to box and move his way to bemusing Whyte.
But, it also provides a constant target for Whyte, who will know where Fury’s head is at all time.
The Gypsy King has also been caught over the top in his career, moving back in a straight line with his hands down.
Fury’s height could see him equally be too much to conquer for Whyte or offer the perfect target.
