Fury Not Concerned With Finding Klitschko Clone

By Jake Donovan

The decision to secure a February 28 opponent for Tyson Fury had less to do with attempting to simulate an eventual title fight with World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko than it did with simply keeping the unbeaten heavyweight active.

Fury (23-0, 17KOs) emerged as a top heavyweight contender some time ago, but his career progress has been slowed due to injuries, postponements and fight withdrawals on the part of his divisional peers. Just two fights have come since his April ’13 off-the-canvas 7th round knockout of Steve Cunningham, and his team doesn’t want history to repeat itself.

“He’s only had two fights in roughly two years,” points out co-promoter Frank Warren. “He wants to be match fit, he wants to be ready. We want to make sure that when he faces off with Klitschko, he’s fighting fit.”

Some view the upcoming bout at the O2 Arena in London as a trap fight for Fury. Others wonder why he chose Hammer (17-3, 10KOs) and not a heavyweight who boasts physical similarities to the 6’6” Klitschko.

To all of that, Fury has the answer.

“An opponent is an opponent. A sparring partner is a partner,” Fury states in not concerning himself with seeking a Klitschko clone for next month’s BoxNation-televised headliner. “It’s all about timing, about staying busy. That’s all it’s about.

“If I can fight, I can fight. If I can’t, I can’t. Christian Hammer is in my way. This will be no problem for me. It’s going to be a knockout.”

A win by Fury will hold his place in line for a crack at Klitschko, who is due to return to the ring on April 25 in Brooklyn, New York.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox