By Brian Webber: Hughie Fury says he’d make quick work of former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and he’s raring to go for a chance to take him on so that he can “blitz” him.
At this point in the ten-year pro Hughie’s career, it would seem highly unlikely he’ll ever get a fight against Joshua. Whatever chance Hughie had earlier in his career, that ship has sailed after his three losses.
Now, it’s just about Hughie making the best of things, staying healthy, and maybe getting lucky by getting a chance for a decent payday against a local lad like Joe Joyce, Fabio Wardley, Martin Bakole, or David Adeleye.
The British domestic-level heavyweight Hughie (26-3, 15 KOs) hasn’t fought since 2021, battling long COVID, but he hopes to return to the ring in August for a tune-up to get the cobwebs out.
Still young at 28, Hughie is the cousin of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, but he’s been unable to enjoy the same kind of success as a professional despite being blessed with size at 6’6″.
Illnesses and a lack of punching power have limited Hughie’s progress. When Hughie has stepped up against better opposition as a pro, he’s suffered losses to Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev, and Alexander Povetkin.
“I’d blitz him. They’re the fights I want. Joshua honestly wouldn’t stand a chance. He’s a complete stiff altogether. There’s nothing about him whatsoever. I think he’s a stiff, and it couldn’t be an easier fight. That’s if it happens,” said Hughie Fury to ProBoxingFans.
“I want to get this first fight out of the way, and then those are the fights I want.”
What’s a bit surprising is Tyson Fury has never given Hughie the opportunity for a fight. Obviously, that would be an off-putting fight to some, given that the two are related, but at least Hughie would get the opportunity to make life-changing money to help him live well when his career ends.
“Hopefully, I get back out in August and put on a show,” Hughie said. “I want to blow out the cobwebs and get these big fights. I’ve been very frustrated not being able to get these fights, but that’s all going to change now.”
The heavyweight division is too well stocked at the top for Hughie to have a chance to become a major player at this stage of his career. He may have missed his window of opportunity by not staying healthy early on and winning the important fights against the vulnerable heavyweights Parker, Pulev & Povetkin.
“It is a big fight between two big giants that both can punch. So it is a 50-50 fight,” said Hughie about the rematch between Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce.
