FURY, TYSON-DEONTAY WILDER I MEDIA CREDENTIAL (2018)

HISTORY: On December 1, 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder fought Tyson Fury in the featured bout. After 12 rounds the fight was declared a split decision draw. Wilder retained his WBC World Heavyweight title on a split decision draw, marking the first time both the 40-0 Wilder and the 27-0 Tyson Fury did not win. Maintaining a consistent herky jerky style with nonstop feinting and continuous foot movement, the bigger and taller Fury had reach advantage and ultimately proved hard to hit, and appeared to win rounds three through eight, with other rounds somewhat closer. Wilder bloodied Fury's nose with jabs in the fourth round. Referee Jack Reiss had only to deal with occasional holding by Fury whenever Wilder tried to get inside. Wilder missed punches when his reach fell short, but he did drop Fury about a minute in the ninth round from what appeared to be a short glancing right hand to the left ear. Fury beat the count, and Wilder could not land another big shot despite his 10-8 round. Instead, Fury landed hard rights in the the remainder of the ninth round and early in the tenth round. At times, Fury showboated, putting his hands behind his back, and sticking out his tongue, but Wilder remain composed and focused. A solid right-left combination from Wilder floored Fury onto his back in the twelfth and final round, who looked out but somehow got up and beat the count yet again, and finished the bout. Ringside commentator Paul Malignaggi felt Fury won the bout, and stated judge Alejandro Rochin's 115-111 scorecard was wrong. Fury was graceful and grateful after the bout, embracing Wilder warmly, thanking Wilder for the opportunity and stating "God Bless America", and making chicken gestures in reference to the other heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua still not fighting either himself nor Wilder. Ringside commentator and boxing historian Steve Farhood had it 115-111 for Fury. Not everyone agreed. Fury held the lineal heavyweight title coming into this bout, having taken two and a half years off to seek treatment for alcoholism, cocaine addiction, and depression, and had to come down from almost 400 pounds to 256 under the guidance of trainer Ben Davison. Freddie Roach and Ricky Hatton were also in his corner. Trainer Mark Breland was in Wilder's corner. This was not the first time two undefeated heavyweight champions had met in a heavyweight titular contest. 26-0 Smokin' Joe Frazier dropped the then 31-0 Muhammad Ali in round 15 and went on to retain the overall world heavyweight title and add the linear world heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden in 1971. Both Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, in the post fight commentary, entertained the possibility of a USA Showtime rematch in the future. Wilder had a mandatory rematch clause in his contract if he had lost the bout. USA Showtime broadcast the four main event bouts on the eleven bout card, including heavyweight Luis Ortiz' tenth round stoppage of Travis Kauffman in a scheduled 10 rounder. Wilder's younger brother, 2-0 cruiserweight Marsellos Wilder, opened the card with a four round unanimous decision over David Damore. Former heavyweight contender Chris Arreola and 2016 Olympic Games Super Heavyweight Silver Medalist Joe Joyce both won on the untelevised portion of the card. Boxers in attendance at ringside included Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Riddick Bowe. Offered here is an original Media Credential for this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original Media Credential which names and pictures both fighters. Two holes atop for neck chain. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Not creased or torn. Minor corner wear. 4 1/8" x 6 5/8."