By John F. McKenna (McJack): After World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO’s) struggled for twelve rounds against challenger Dereck Chisora (15-3-9 KO’s on February 18, many boxing fans are ready to take another look at Tyson Fury (17-0, 12 KO’s). Fury defeated “Del-Boy” convincingly when they fought last July.
Fury proved in his fight with Chisora that he has a fighter’s heart and that he could stand up to his punches without wilting. Fury also showed that despite his being just twenty three years old, he has some ring smarts.
In all fairness “Dr. Ironfist” should not be measured by his performance against Chisora as some boxing analysts are doing. Vitali suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth round of the Chisora fight, making it near impossible to use his left hand as the fight progressed into the later rounds. Klitschko was still able to win a one sided decision over Chisora.
Tyson at 6’”9 definitely has the size to be competitive against the Klitschko’s and against the new breed of super heavyweights of the modern era. When Cassius Clay (soon to be Muhammad Ali) at 6’3” and 210 pounds fought Sonny Liston at 6’1” and 214 pounds they were thought of as super heavyweights. Today a fighter of the same size would be considered puny by comparison.
When Tomas Adamek (45-2, 28 KO’s) at 6’2” and 217 pounds challenged Vitali Klitschko 6’7 ½”, 243 pounds for his WBC title belt last September he appeared to be a boy fighting a man. The same was true of former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KO’s) 6’3”, 214 pounds when he took on current WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko (57-3, 50 KO’s) 6’6”, 243 pounds.
Obviously Tyson Fury is a work in progress, which even he will concede. He is also unpredictable. You never know quite what to expect out of Tyson. One thing is certain, he is always a big draw wherever he chooses to fight. Tyson Fury also does what he thinks is best for Tyson Fury. Many boxing fans were surprised when he vacated his British title when a fight with the quickly rising David Price was in the offing.
Fury will be facing 41 year old Martin Rogan (14-2, 7 KO’s) on Saturday night for the vacant Irish heavyweight title. Tyson reportedly said when he vacated his British title that the Irish title was more important to him. Boxing fans will be looking for another entertaining fight when he climbs into the ring against Rogan on Saturday night.
Comments are closed.