“New Boxing Gloves” (CC BY 2.0) by markhillary
There’s never been a boxer with a better name – the sound of it alone is enough to strike fear into his opponents. And, while the Manchester-born fighter may have had his issues in the past, it certainly seems that he’s made a remarkable comeback. Still only 31, he should have several more years left in him yet to improve on his already remarkable unbeaten record of 29 wins, 20 knockouts and one draw. This has included some amazing bouts – including these five.
Deontay Wilder, 2018
As Fury prepares for the rematch with Wilder at the end of February 2020 he undoubtedly wants to erase the only draw of his career from his memory. The latest boxing odds for the fight as of 4th February have Fury as the marginal favourite at 4/5 on with Wilder at Evens. In their previous meeting many observers disagreed with the judges who, it was felt, may have been swayed by the fact that Fury was knocked down twice and denied him the win. That he came back from this to draw just showed his resilience.
Wladimir Klitschko, 2015
“BOXING-KLITSCHKO/CHISORA” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Vuxicon
This was the fight that really meant that Fury had arrived. In beating Klitschko on a unanimous points decision he won no less than three heavyweight belts in one fell swoop. These were the WBA Super, IBF and WBO versions of the title. In doing so, he had also defeated the most dominant heavyweight of the generation.
Dereck Chisora, 2014
This was the bout that gave Fury the title shot at Klitschko and proved to be the best all-round performance of his career to date. He dominated the ring from the very outset with constant jabs and feints refusing to give his opponent any openings. But it took till the eleventh round for Chisora’s corner to decide that enough was enough, thus handing the British and European heavyweight titles to Fury.
Neven Pajkic, 2011
In his meeting with the 34 year old Canadian Fury experienced his very first knockdown in seventeen professional fights. For many fighters this would have spelt the end of the bout, but for Fury it simply brought out the best in him. Leaping to his feet, he launched a furious barrage of blows on his opponent in the third round. Pajkic, totally taken by surprise by this retaliation, hit the canvas twice before the referee declared Fury the winner.
John McDermott, 2010
Nine months earlier, the pair had met with Fury winning in controversial circumstances as it was felt he’d been outpointed by McDermott. So this was very much a “clear the air” type of meeting for the then 21 year old Fury. This time there was no doubt that he was the superior fighter – and a worthy recipient of the English heavyweight title.
From these fights alone, it’s easy to see that Fury has a special talent indeed and already he’s one of the sport’s all-time greats. As to what other heights he can achieve in the rest of his career, we wait to see with interest.
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