Tyson Fury has delivered a brutal assessment of Deontay Wilder’s last six opponents ahead of his challenge for the American’s WBC heavyweight title at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on December 1.
The 30-year-old lineal heavyweight champion, who holds an undefeated record of 27-0 (19), promises to be the toughest test of Wilder’s 40-0 (39), 10-year pro career.
But that doesn’t mean much, according to Fury.
“His last six fights are the only fights that really count,” the self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ told BT Sport.
“[Bermane] Stiverne, a small heavyweight who was old and finished. Johann Duhaupas, a Frenchman that has no ability but tries hard. Wilder didn’t hurt him once in the fight.
“Eric Molina, a schoolteacher who got lucky – took him nine rounds to get rid of him.
“Artur Szpilka, who’s lost all his fights by knockout even up until today; a bit of movement and he gave him problems.
“Gerald Washington, a football player with a bit of a jab; he gave him problems for five rounds until he landed – not a boxer though.
“Then there was [Luis] Ortiz who, forgetting his age, was a good man, but we know father time catches up with everybody.”
Fury is himself taking a big step up in class after defeating cruiserweight Sefer Seferi in four rounds and taking heavyweight fringe contender Francesco Pianeta the 10-round distance in his first fights in almost three years. Both performances failed to impress.
The 6-foot-9 Fury walked away from the sport after defeating Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in 2015. During his hiatus Fury battled drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues and stacked on more than 100-pounds in weight.
Despite his issues away from the ring, Fury insists he is back to his best and will have more than enough in the tank to defeat the 33-year-old ‘Bronze Bomber’.
Victory for Fury could pave the way for a big-money match-up with fellow Brit and unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua 22-0 (21).
