By Dan Fitz-Simons: Not long ago, Hughie Fury was rejected by many fans who considered him an over-hyped disappointment. Some felt Hughie, a B-level contender, was given big fights simply because of his last name. Although Hughie performed well against lower-level opponents, he always lost the big bouts.
For a while, It seemed he would only appear on the undercards of big-name fights in the shadow of Tyson or as a low-level contender or gatekeeper. Yet Hughie (26-3) still has talent, and lately, his attributes have improved with experience and maturity.
He can fight off the ropes, throw uppercuts from the outside and turn an opponent. He also has fast footwork, excellent head movement, and fast, accurate combinations. These skills, along with a solid jaw, have made him one of the best “boxers” in the division.
Hughie has also improved his work rate by letting his hands go with impressive results. Nevertheless, a fighter at his size (6’6”) should have more than 15 KOs on his record. Hughie will have to sit down on his punches and pull the trigger when throwing combinations.
He also lacks a lethal left hook in his arsenal. Watching a few Smok’n Joe Frazer clips might help him perfect his left hook. These changes will also require less Kronk Gym holding, running, and leaning tactics.
But the most important factor in Hughie’s return is momentum. Fight fans are again showing interest in his come-back. In order to keep this exciting narrative alive, it’s necessary for him to fight at least three times this year.
Hughie has regained the respect he deserves by winning his last three bouts in a skillful entertaining manner. At 27, stamina isn’t an issue, and he still hasn’t peaked. He enjoys staying busy and has often said he loves to fight.
Moreover, it would be foolish to throw away his youthful advantages of speed and coordination. Hughie has 29 bouts under his belt, and while he was defeated in 3 contests, Parker, Povetkin, and Pulev can hardly be considered C-level opponents.
He’s never been knocked out, and in spite of his “weird” style, Hughie has always shown up in shape to battle any opponent put in against him.
His Dad, Peter Fury, also trained his cousin Tyson, and Hughie often sparred with Tyson in his early career, adding credibility to his resume.
Over time, Hughie has developed into an excellent boxer-puncher. He’ll never be a Marciano or Mike Tyson, but any fighter who takes him on will have his hands full.
Although fight fans love a banger, a win is a win. If Hughie continues to fight and win at a busy pace, an alphabet title could soon be in the offing.
The fans are tired of top ten overweight slugs sitting on their duffs for months on end. Hughie would be wise to avoid this trap. He has dropped from a record 12 bouts in 2013 to only one fight in 2021.
This radical reduction in activity could adversely impact on his career. He definitely needs more than just one fight in 2022.
Hughie’s problem now is obtaining challenging opponents because of his winning streak (Sour, Wach, and Hammer), as well as concerns about his unorthodox style.
As a result, some interesting prospects, including Ruiz Jr., Chisora, and Arreola, have not materialized. Hopefully, a fight against Helenius will take place.
Not all Hughie’s fights have to be against top-ten opponents or for a championship belt. At his relatively young age, he still has the opportunity to build an impressive career.
The alternative to staying busy is stagnation, ring rust, and the loss of a growing fan base. Hughie would do well to ignore the usual gaggle of lawyers, match-makers, and reporters.
Training isn’t fighting, and this is no time for Hughie to be sitting on his laurels. Time waits for no fighter; the clock is ticking.
