HOBOKEN, N.J. - Undefeated challenger Tyson Fury believes his July 23 showdown in “The Big Brawl” Pay-Per-View event against defending British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora, airing live from Wembley Arena in London, is merely the first step on his chosen journey
The 22-year-old Fury (14-0, 10 KOs) will be challenging World Boxing Council (“WBC”) # 12 rated Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs) for his British and Commonwealth title belts in the 12-round main event. “This is a very, very important fight for me, especially having it shown live in the United States,” Fury said between training sessions. “We’re both 14-0 and don’t like each other at all. It’s a good match-up. I had to call him out recently because I was worried that he was going to pull out of our fight. All he’s been talking about is money. But my promoter, Mick Hennessy, is paying him more money for this fight than he’s made in his entire career. I’m really looking forward to July 23rd because, after I beat Chisora, the sky’s the limit for me. I’ll win the European title and then knockout one of the Klitschkos. I will be world champion.”
Fury is a 6’ 9,” 260-pound Irishman who was born in Manchester and lives in Cheshire, England, but as an amateur boxer he represented both England and Ireland because his father is from Galway and grandmother (on his mother’s side) hails from Belfast. His Irish Traveller family has a long history in boxing going back to bare-knuckles days. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the WBC No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender and former Irish Olympian, Andy Lee.
The personable, charismatic Fury believes Irish boxing fans in the U.S., naturally, are going to embrace him as he expands his market across the Atlantic. “Fighting on pay per view in the U.S. is good for me, particularly among the Irish over there,” Fury noted. “Once the Irish in the states watch me fight and get to know me, I’ll win them over and then I’ll go back over there to celebrate with them when I win the world title.”
Fury is deceiving, physically-speaking, largely because his obvious bulk defies his athleticism, which is a huge advantage for Tyson in the ring. “Boxers my size usually can’t move very well,” he explained. “I have good movement. My foot and hand speed is very good. I was blessed when God gave out talent. I’m in good shape now and will be in the best shape of my life for this fight. I’m a nice boxer with power. I’m going to use by height and range against (the 6’ 1 ½”) Chisora.”
Online gambling site 888poker.com are sponsoring Kell Brook’s Sheffield showdown with Lovemore N’dou on June 25 live on Sky Sports.
The fight at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre is Brook’s first hometown fight since 2005, and the unbeaten Welterweight is promising an exciting show as he searches for his 24th win against the rugged Australian-based South African, planning to become the first man to stop N’dou in the process.
“With Matchroom re-entering the boxing market, the sport appears to be back with a bang,” said Gareth Edwards, Director of Marketing at 888.com. “We are delighted to be associated with Kell Brook’s homecoming show in Sheffield. Kell is a great entertainer and we look forward to being part of an exciting show on June 25.”
Tickets are almost sold-out for Brook’s big night in Sheffield – which also sees stable mate and one of Sky’s ‘11 to watch in 2011’ Richard Towers in action and former World Champion Robin Reid take on Steel City man Wayne Reed – with a limited number of unreserved tickets priced £30 available from promoters Matchroom Sport.
Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “As we continue our expansion into boxing, it's imperative that we bring new sponsors into the sport and I'm delighted to welcome 888 to our campaign. We look forward to giving them maximum exposure on this sell out show.”
The remaining unreserved tickets priced £30 are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
Nick Blackwell’s secret weapon in his big fight on Saturday night could be his boyish looks.
Blackwell will start the underdog to land the British, Commonwealth and WBA Intercontinental middleweight belts when he faces Martin Murray at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena.
The 20-year-old is used to being written off.
As a teenager, he served a tough ring apprenticeship in unlicensed fights and remembers being a laughing stock when he ducked between the ropes of a ring placed in the back room of a snooker club.
“It was like a scene out of the film ‘Snatch !” laughed Trowbridge’s English champion.
“The place was packed and there were gypsies and gangsters everywhere betting on the fights.
“I was only 16-years-old and my opponent was horrible looking. He was bald, covered in tattoos and much heavier than me.
“He looked at me and said: ‘What are you doing in the ring with me?’ The crowd were shouting that the fight shouldn’t happen.
“He looked the part and I looked like a little kid – until I started hitting him back.
“I hit him with a three-punch combination and there was blood everywhere.
“People look at my face and find it hard to believe I am a boxer, but change their opinion quickly when they see me fight.”
Blackwell’s opponent spent three days in hospital recovering from a broken eye socket, jaw and cheekbone and ‘Bang Bang’ says tough nights like that are good preparation for Murray.
Nick who has won all eight professional bouts said: “I’ve heard what Murray says he’s going to do to me, but after what I’ve been through it doesn’t faze me at all.”
Popular St Helens boxer Murray is unbeaten in 22 fights and will start favourite despite Blackwell’s unlicensed prowess.
He added: “The British title is the one I have always wanted, but I am not overlooking Nick.
“He has nothing to lose by taking this chance. I have everything to lose if I am going where I want to.”
British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla challenges Ghanaian southpaw Osumanu Akaba for the vacant WBA inter-continental l title.
British Olympian Joe Murray boxes for his first professional title in his 11th fight meeting Georgian George Gachechiladze for the IBF international featherweight youth title.
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/ 01925 755222
