Deontay Wilder drafts in amateur German boxer to copy Tyson Fury in sparring but bans him from speaking ahead of rematch
DEONTAY WILDER is sparring with an unknown German amateur boxer who is supposedly replicating Tyson Fury's style.
But Emanuel Odiase has been given strict instructions not to discuss how their sessions are going.
On February 22 in Las Vegas Wilder will once again put his WBC heavyweight world title on the line when he rematches Fury.
Back in December 2018 the two boxers fought to a contentious draw, with most believing Fury did enough to bag the iconic green belt.
Now Wilder, who remains unbeaten as a pro, is doing the rounds in training with 21-year-old Odiase.
And the youngster got his chance after sending in clips of him moving like Fury in the ring.
Speaking to , Odiase who lives in Hamburg, said: "I’m just getting started, I’ve had 15 amateur fights, but I’m on the way up.
“It’s crazy man, I used to watch all the videos on YouTube, watched the fights, now I’m standing in the ring with him.
“He’s got a great control of distance this guy.
“I think I did a good job, jab looking good. I’m not allowed to speak about sparring, but it’s good work.”
FURY PUTTING ON WEIGHT
For the first fight, Wilder brought in countryman Malik Scott to replicate Fury in sparring.
Scott was KO'd by Wilder when the two fought in 2014.
SunSport reported how Wilder and Fury are both planning to gain weight ahead of their rematch.
For this fight Fury has switched trainers from Ben Davison to Javan ‘Sugar’ Hill and as part of the Stateside switch he hired Conor McGregor’s famed nutritionist George Lockhart.
The Gypsy King, 31, scaled 256½lb (18st 2lb) for the first fight – but after a diet of six meals a day the Brit is looking to fight at around 19st for the rematch.
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Wilder only weighed in at 212½lb, his lowest weight in 10 years, before going on to twice floor Fury in Los Angeles.
But the 34-year-old claimed he went as low as 209lb by the time of the fight – giving Fury nearly a three stone advantage.
Wilder’s trainer Jay Deas revealed he wants the Bronze Bomber to scale around the 220lb mark for the Vegas rematch.