Deontay Wilder went to watch Tyson Fury vs Francesco Pianeta, bumped into Paul Gascoigne ringside and laughed as he took a ‘punch’ from Tottenham and England legend

Paul Gascoigne remains one of Britain's most beloved footballers and he certainly endeared himself to boxing fans by landing a clean left hook on Deontay Wilder when they met. Sort of.

Before Tyson Fury took on Francesco Pianeta at Belfast's Windsor Park in August 2018, ‘Gazza’ was seen chatting to then WBC champion Wilder, who was there to watch his competition from ringside.

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Ever the joker, the England and Tottenham legend managed to catch the American with a few decent shots to the head and body, but the American thankfully saw the funny side and politely declined Gazza's offer to punch him.

Sporting bleached blond hair and rather audacious jacket, the former midfielder than made sure to give ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and quick kiss and a cuddle.

It was a crazy weekend in Northern Ireland where Wilder clashed with John Fury at the weigh-ins and also had a run-in with Billy Joe Saunders at a Nando’s on the eve of the bout.

The fight itself was completely one-sided as the ‘Gypsy King’ breezed past his outmatched Italian to claim a unanimous points victory and set up a heavyweight title fight with Wilder in December.

Before that epic encounter a few months later, though, Fury managed to evade punches from Pianeta in such a manner which left commentator David Haye at ringside drooling and drawing comparisons with Cassius Clay.

The Brit then went to California in December and boxed beautifully against Wilder, only to be felled twice and controversially awarded a draw.

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Having knocked Wilder out in February 2020, the two men clashed for a third and final time in 2021.

Fury was again victorious and it appeared he had sent him into retirement.

However, Wilder says he is not done with boxing yet and will be back in action for the first time since completing his trilogy.

The 36-year-old takes on Robert Helenius in Brooklyn on Saturday.

It is not yet confirmed whether ‘Gazza’ will be in the Fury corner for the fight or not...