Tyson Fury vs Mariusz Wach

Let’s not dress this up like it’s Ali-Frazier. Tyson Fury against Mariusz Wach in Pattaya is a run-out, a bit of business, and a way of keeping Fury ticking over before the Anthony Joshua circus rolls into town. The “WBC Humanitarian Title” gives it a nice charitable shine, and fair play if money goes where it should, but in boxing terms, this is Fury staying warm, not walking into deep water.

Fury is 37 now, but even at this stage, he’s still got far too much craft for Wach. The big man can be messy, awkward, and sometimes looks like he’s making it up as he goes along, but underneath all that is a clever heavyweight brain. He knows how to lean, spoil, jab from funny angles, and make a slower man carry him around. Against Wach, that is a nightmare.

Wach has always been tough. He went the distance with Wladimir Klitschko years ago, and you don’t do that without chin and minerals. He’s a massive lump, with long arms and a strong frame, and he’ll come to survive with a high guard and straight shots when Fury gets lazy. But he’s 46, he’s lost plenty lately, and his feet are not just slow now, they’re practically asking for written permission before moving.

Fury’s advantage is rhythm and ring generalship. He’ll jab, feint, tie Wach up inside, then turn him and start again. Wach’s only real chance is catching Fury cold with a straight right while Fury is clowning about. And let’s be honest, that’s not much of a plan.

I think Fury plays with him early, gets rounds in, then the corner or referee has seen enough once Wach starts taking clean shots without throwing back. Fury by stoppage.