What’s next for Tyson Fury?

By Olly Campbell - 01/03/2014 - Comments

fury11By Olly Campbell: Boxing always throws up divisive figures. The type of love ’em or hate ’em fighter who draws in a crowd – be it the type of mob who cheer their man to victory, pray to see a guy knocked out, or more often than not, a combustible mix of the two.

With such a stale heavyweight scene, arguably the most divisive figure in the division is Britain’s undefeated star, Tyson Fury (21-0, 15KOs).

There can be no doubt that its been a torrid few months for the self proclaimed future heavyweight king, and my sympathies are extended to him. Thanks to dual cancellations by UK rival David Haye, Fury not only missed out on what would have been his biggest purse to date by far, but perhaps more importantly, this enforced lay-off has seen him drop, albeit slightly, down the world rankings. An unfortunately timed event given Vitali Klitschko vacating his WBC strap to pursue his political ambitions in his native Ukraine.

Recent Twitter posts by Haye announcing the successful shoulder surgery and subsequent training session will have surely had Fury spitting bricks, especially after the most recent of Hayes now familiar retirement speeches. Yet regardless of whether Haye steps between the ropes again is of no consequence to team Fury, who have made it abundantly clear they shall not negotiate with the Hayemaker camp ever again.

So, what next for Fury?? Arreola aside for now, 2014 needs to see Fury get busy again, and fast. There has been much conjecture surrounding some (false?) and bizarre call outs from Fury, most notably to faded legend Roy Jones Jr. Given Fury likes to “give us a song” post fight, and is known for sometimes absurd, charismatic or loathsome remarks (depending on your view), this comment should be taken with a pinch of salt, or two! Which I’m sure is how it was intended, if it was said at all.

Two more serious options are Aussie banger, Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne and fellow UK fighter Dereck Chisora. To be honest, neither excite me. Browne, whilst powerful, is ponderous and one dimensional, a step down for Fury when he needs to be moving up. Both his last two opponents, Steve Cunningham and especially former world title challenger Kevin Johnson, would defeat Browne in my opinion. Whilst I rate Chisora, since his losses to Klitschko and Haye, despite showing grit, his level of opposition has been declining, not increasing. This is obviously part of a Frank warren plan to restore his cofidence but its not a fight Fury needs right now. After all, he beat Chisora in 2011, so its a case of been there, done that for me.

The fight that excites me for Tyson Fury is against US puncher and undefeated prospect, Deontay Wilder (30-0,30KOs). For me, it is marketable. Maybe more so here in the UK but it could be on the undercard of a big US show also. A Youtube video of both men in the ring after the September 2013 Hennessey Sports show has received over 39,000 hits. Fury, in typical comedic, trash talk mode offers Wilder a fight in the States on HBO, to cheers and jeers from the crowd! Wilder, of course, does not shy away and the two shake hands.

This is an appealing match up for a few reasons. Wilder needs to answer questions about his “padded” record, his last fight to a journeyman Fury stopped over 2 years ago. However his heavy hands could prove problematic for Fury’s questionable chin, yet Fury always comes to fight and has a big heart. The final reason is the “0” must go element, with both protecting zeros and a reputation. For me it could be one of the fights of 2014, especially in the heavyweight division, providing it can be made!

This is my first article and look forward to comments, criticisms and opinions. Many thanks for taking the time to read it.



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