Rejecting any idea of a slow, patient journey back to the top, Tyson Fury has taken a huge gamble in the form of a fight with Deontay Wilder.

The Mancunian will take on Wilder hoping to steal the WBC title currently held by the American, after a remarkable recovery act in the past year.

Fury didn’t fight for 32 consecutive months, after a stretch of issues including a boxing ban, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

Testament to Fury and Frank Warren then, that he has used every bit of his experience to claw himself into a situation where he is one fight away from being heavyweight champion of the world once more.

One man with more than enough experience at the top level is Evander Holyfield.

The legendary American fighter is a four-time world heavyweight champion, well known for two bad-tempered victories over Mike Tyson involving the infamous ‘biting’ incident.

At an event in Las Vegas, Holyfield was asked about the announcement of a state-side bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, and the veteran had a warning for the ‘Gypsy King’.

Holyfield said that from personal experience he felt that Wilder has “the same power” as boxing legends Mike Tyson and George Foreman – an ominous message for Fury.

Holyfield also said that Fury’s time out of the sport may put him at a disadvantage to Wilder, who has stayed active over a number of years.

Asked if Fury can win he said “It’s obvious that he can, but you’re fighting a fresh guy, who hasn’t punished his body like that”

You can see all Holyfield had to say below:

Regardless of Wilder’s punching power, it seems dangerous to write Fury off as he has risen to every challenge he has faced so far.

His career-defining victory in Germany over Wladimir Klitschko demonstrated a capability to upset the odds – who knows if he has another magic act in him.

Although the fight details are yet to be announced, the expectation is that the fight will take place in Las Vegas late this year.