Tyson Fury & Mariusz Wach To Contest

Historic Inaugural WBC METTA Humanitarian Belt

In Thailand, This Friday, July 24th!

The WBC METTA Humanitarian Belt represents far more than athletic achievement. Inspired by the Thai word "Metta," meaning loving-kindness, compassion, goodwill, and selfless care for others, the commemorative championship was created to honor individuals whose humanitarian efforts have meaningfully improved the lives of others. The belt features the iconic WBC emblem surrounded by the flags of the organization's worldwide boxing family, symbolizing humanitarian service without borders, while incorporating the colors of the Thai flag and traditional cultural elements that celebrate Thailand's rich heritage. WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán has described the belt as a tribute to boxing's ability to inspire hope, unity, and positive social change through acts of generosity and service.

Fury's return to Thailand carries a deeply personal purpose. The former unified heavyweight champion has announced that the event is being staged as a charitable initiative, with ticket proceeds—already exceeding $250,000, according to Fury—to benefit humanitarian causes in Thailand. After spending considerable time in Pattaya, Fury said he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and became determined to use his platform to make a meaningful difference. Following extensive research into local charitable organizations, Fury selected the Father Ray Foundation, a respected nonprofit that has provided care, education, vocational training, housing, and support for disadvantaged children, abandoned youth, and people with disabilities in Thailand for more than four decades.

"This is a landmark year for me in boxing, and I'm excited to bring this event to Pattaya, a place that is very special to me," Fury said when announcing the event. "We're coming together to put on a great show for the fans while giving something back to the local community that has always welcomed me. At the same time, I'm fully focused on preparing for a tough opponent and making sure I'm the best version of Tyson Fury on fight night."

The humanitarian aspect of the event has been one of the driving forces behind the creation of the WBC METTA Humanitarian Belt. Fury's charitable commitment reflects the WBC's longstanding philosophy that boxing should extend beyond the ropes by promoting social responsibility, compassion, and community service. The championship presentation is expected to become one of the evening's defining moments, celebrating not only sporting excellence but also the power of boxing to improve lives.

At 37 years old, Fury, born in Manchester, England, on August 12, 1988, is universally recognized as one of the premier heavyweights of his era. Turning professional in 2008 following a successful amateur career, the towering 6-foot-9 British star captured the unified heavyweight championship in 2015 with his historic victory over Wladimir Klitschko, ending the Ukrainian's nearly decade-long reign atop the division. After overcoming well-documented personal struggles and a lengthy absence from the sport, Fury completed one of boxing's greatest comeback stories by reclaiming heavyweight supremacy through his unforgettable trilogy with Deontay Wilder, winning the WBC heavyweight championship and cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most accomplished and charismatic champions. Known for his exceptional mobility, ring IQ, and versatility despite his imposing size, Fury remains one of boxing's biggest global attractions.

Standing opposite Fury will be veteran Polish heavyweight, Mariusz Wach. At age 46, Wach Nicknamed "The Viking" has built a reputation as one of boxing's toughest and most durable heavyweights during a professional career spanning more than two decades. The towering Polish contender challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight championship in 2012 and has consistently shared the ring with many of the division's elite, including Alexander Povetkin, Dillian Whyte, Martin Bakole, Jarrell Miller, Moses Itauma, and Hughie Fury, Tyson Fury's cousin.

Wach faced Tyson Fury’s cousin, Hughie Fury, December 12th, 2020, at SSE Arena, Wembley, in London on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's successful IBF, WBA, WBO, and IBO heavyweight title defense against Kubrat Pulev. Hughie Fury earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over the experienced Pole with official scorecards of 100-90, 100-90, and 99-91, using his movement, speed, and boxing skills to outpoint Wach over ten rounds. The bout created another connection between the Fury family and the veteran Polish contender, adding an interesting storyline as Tyson Fury prepares to face Wach in Thailand.

Despite setbacks against several world-class opponents, Wach has remained one of heavyweight boxing's most respected gatekeepers, renowned for his durability, size, and willingness to face the sport's biggest names. His vast experience against elite competition makes him a dangerous and seasoned opponent for Fury as they battle for the inaugural WBC METTA Humanitarian Belt.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren welcomed Fury's return, emphasizing the significance of having one of boxing's biggest stars back in action. "Boxing is a better place with Tyson Fury in it," Warren said. "Tyson is in great shape and completely focused on putting on a show against Mariusz Wach. He's a true global superstar, and I have no doubt the fans will pack the venue in Thailand to witness another memorable performance." Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, also stressed that the bout is being approached with complete professionalism, describing it as an important step in Fury's continued activity while supporting a worthwhile charitable cause.

The Tyson Fury vs. Mariusz Wach undercard is structured as a heavyweight-focused event designed to showcase emerging fighters and provide additional opportunities for developing prospects alongside the headline attraction. The supporting lineup features a series of heavyweight and boxing prospects, including Daniel Baer vs. Simon Ibekwe, with additional bouts involving Michael Alan Flannery, Lucas Dassios, Mark Ahondjo and Arlo Stephens all listed on the preliminary schedule versus opponents yet to be named.