Tyson Fury: Wladimir, You're Getting Knocked Spark Out!

By Jake Donovan

While nearly every heavyweight champion of the past 30 years—including current ruler Wladimir Klitschko—was in Hollywood, Florida to film an upcoming documentary, Tyson Fury was ringside at a show on the other side of the Atlantic, taking in a night of action in Leeds while pondering a vision as the future heavyweight champion of the world.

The outspoken unbeaten heavyweight contender already appears to be in remarkable condition for his October 24 showdown with Klitschko in Dusseldorf, Germany. Sporting a derby, a blazer and a neatly trimmed beard, Fury was on his best behavior – but still in rare form – in discussing his upcoming World heavyweight title shot.

“Preparation has gone absolutely terrible,” Fury deadpanned during an interview with Sky Sports, whose Pay-Per-View arm will air the fight live in the United Kingdom (along with HBO in the United States). “I’ve got an injured arm, injured shoulder, just problems every day in the gym. I’m going to do what I can do best while worn out.”

Getting the comedy routine out of the way, the hulking contender—who was on hand to support stablemate Isaac Lowe on the undercard of Josh Warrington’s 12-round shutout win over Joel Brunker—began to outline his plan to become the first member of the Irish traveling community to lay claim to the heavyweight championship.

“I’m the man to do it because I’m Tyson Fury… Tyson ‘Too Fast’ Fury. Undefeated, young, hungry; I can talk, what more I can dance, sing… I’m the full package. If a man can beat me at 40 years old, I don’t deserve to be a world champion. Although Klitschko hasn’t been beat in 11 years, he will be beat this year, I promise you that.

“I’m serious as cancer when I say, Wladimir, you’re getting knocked spark out.”

Fury (24-0, 18KOs) earned his title shot with a 10th round stoppage of Dereck Chisora in
their high-profile rematch last November. The two previously met when they were unbeaten prospects, with Fury claiming a 12-round decision in July ’11.

The sequel featured Fury at his absolute best, more so than his going through the motions in prior wins where he relied on his size (6’9”, weight ranging from 250-274 lbs.) to get through the day.

His lone fight since the career-best rematch win over Chisora came in February, scoring an 8th round knockout of Christian Hammer.

From there, he waited out Klitschko’s voluntary defense, a 12-round win over Bryant Jennings in April, before the two camps entered negotiations for the mandatory title fight. A purse bid was avoided literally at the 11th hour, with the two sided reaching an agreement in time to let a room full of rival promoters know that the fight was no longer up for auction.

The past several months has seen Fury going full throttle in the gym and full steam ahead in the media. Surrounded by a throng of supporters in the crowd on Saturday, the 27-year old contender played up to the moment, insisting Klitschko will experience a challenge like
he’s never witnessed before in nearly 20 years in the pro ranks.

“He’s never fought anyone like me,” Fury insists. “Tell me one thing, has he ever fought a Gypsy warrior before? NEVER. Klitschko’s getting done. He’s getting knocked clean out!”

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene