Error code: %{errorCode}
Jake Paul, KSI, and now Eddie Hall, but will Tommy Fury ever put major titles over huge crossover fights?
Tommy Fury is back in action this week as he headlines in Manchester against former world strongman champion, Eddie Hall.
Once upon a time, talk of titles at the highest level were the focus for Fury, as he constantly looked to emulate the success of his older brother, Tyson, who sat on top of the heavyweight division for almost a decade collecting many titles along the way.
On that journey, Fury became a huge reality TV star with appearances on Love Island and At Home with the Furys, and with influencer boxing taking off around the same time, Fury’s path to high profile events became littered with short cuts as he participated in monstrous bouts against the likes of Jake Paul and KSI.
These shows were box office blockbusters allowing Fury to boost his record, finances, and reputation without the same risks that would be occurred if he was climbing the rankings on the British scene at either cruiserweight or heavyweight. His chosen route would not deliver world titles, but with fortune secured, is it still a road that Fury wants to walk down, or has that time now passed?
Fury and Hall up the tempo
Relive DAZN FACE OFF here
Against Hall on Saturday night, Fury will carry experience and youth against the gargantuan 38-year-old, and he will experience strength like he has never encountered before as the multi-disciplined competitor looks to make a massive splash in the boxing world. Fury is expected to win, he’s a solid favourite, but can he escape this world of fascinating crossover fights and become a legitimate contender?
Could Fury go back in with Jake Paul or KSI?
Last May, following battles with Paul and KSI, Fury made a low key return to action in Hungary when he beat Henan Kanjelic on points at heavyweight. The fight saw Fury end almost two years of inactivity, but it was not a platform for more frequent outings as his showdown with Hall is arriving 13 months later. Is that a sign that regular activity is not Fury’s priority and that occupying his time against fellow mainstream names regardless of their background is?
After the Hall fight, fight fans will be more aware of what Fury’s priorities are when it comes to boxing as his next plans are likely to be unveiled in the immediate aftermath if he is victorious. Rivalries with Paul and KSI are still fresh, and there was enough success from the commercial standpoint of both those fights to justify doing it again with either man, but the time may have come for Fury to really test himself and that could mean a true crack at legitimate belts, a dream he once held dearly.
Has too much time passed for Fury to be considered a realistic prospect for even the British title today? Numerous fighters are staking a claim for domestic supremacy and there is no doubt that guys like Pat Brown, Aloys Junior, and Viddal Riley would all be excited at the chance to face Fury from both a professional and business point of view. All three have impressed on their ascent to their current positions, and Fury would likely make more money welcoming another sports star from another world into the boxing ring.
We await what could be next for Fury
Fury has a huge following regardless of where his fanbase comes from, and whether it’s Hall or Jai Opetaia, they will tune in as he’s a familiar face who they know from popular television. Fury is well aware of this and although there is a clamour to see him take on the likes of Brown and Riley, fights he may struggle in, opposing former footballers, UFC fighters, or strongmen might be the wisest option as long as he’s going to get away with it.
Fury has long stated his just how good he believes he can be. That verdict has also been emphasised by his father and brother. After recently turning 27 and fighting less than once a year recently, time is running out to prove it. Is Fury a reality TV personality who does a bit of fighting? Or is the domestic cruiserweight division about to receive a shot in the arm with a well-known presence? We will likely know more late on Saturday night.
Watch Fury vs. Hall exclusively on DAZN
'The Beauty' Tommy Fury fights the 'The Beast' Eddie Hall on a great Misfits fight night on Saturday, June 13, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27), Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
