Tyson Fury moves into favourite to be crowned Sports Personality of the Year

It may be a long way off, but the betting markets for the 2020 Sports Personality of the Year have changed dramatically since Tyson Fury’s emphatic win over Deontay Wilder at the weekend. 

The Gypsy King completely outclassed his American counterpart in Las Vegas, dominating the fight before it was eventually stopped by Wilder’s corner in the seventh round.

Fury has now regained his status as WBC heavyweight champion of the world after a lengthy absence spent out of the ring, where he was stripped of his former title after failing a drugs test.

Just 14 months on from the first bout between Fury and Wilder, which ended in a draw despite it looking as though the Brit had just edged proceedings, things took a completely different turn in Nevada the second time around. 

Fury came out of the blocks all guns blazing and dropped Wilder in both the third and fifth round with some devastating body shots. 

The 31-year-old put in a flawless performance on Saturday evening, with the fight brought to a premature end halfway through the seventh round by Wilder’s corner, who became concerned about the welfare of their fighter and his profusely bleeding ear.

The result signalled the first defeat for Wilder in 44 fights, and sees Fury return as WBC world heavyweight champion. 

The two fighters are under contract for a third fight, which does look extremely likely in the future, though Fury would receive 60% of the purse to Wilder’s 40% after his recent victory.

That could well deter the 34-year-old American from taking a re-match, especially considering the nature in which he succumbed to Fury this weekend, but you’d still imagine that Wilder would want the chance to avenge himself and the right the wrongdoings of his recent performance.   

Following his phenomenal win, Fury has now moved into favourite to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year in December. 

The Gypsy King was priced at 25/1 prior to Christmas, while you could still get him at odds of 14/1 last week. 

Now, however, Fury is as short as 2/1 with most bookmakers, with William Hill offering slightly higher odds of 9/4.

With it being an Olympic year, though, there is still a long way for the 31-year-old to go. Athlete’s such as Dina Asher-Smith (7/1), Laura Kenny (14/1) and Adam Peaty (20/1) are all also currently in the running for the award, with each having the perfect opportunity to bolster their chances with solid performances in Tokyo. 

England and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson - currently priced at 12/1 - could also overtake Fury as the favourite, should he guide Liverpool to the league title and help England win the Euro’s this summer.