The heavyweight division looks more interesting than ever with all the recent changes that have happened in 2015. The year started with undefeated Deontay Wilder winning the WBC belt from Bermane Stiverne and ended with Tyson Fury upsetting Wladimir Klitschko to take the IBO, IBF, WBA, WBO and RING belts. With the new faces now holding belts, 2016 could set up some interesting match ups that could see the belts change hands again with the new contenders that are rising in the division.
In this interview I speak to heavyweight contender Hughie Fury, to talk about his 2015 and what he could see happening in his future. Fury talks about his progress to far in his career and talks about how far away he thinks he is from a title. Hughie also talks about his cousin’s world title win against Wladimir Klitschko and what he sees happening in a rematch. Additionally, Fury gives his thoughts on Brook-Khan, Pacquiao-Bradley and Floyd Mayweather’s future. Here is what Hughie Fury had to say.
Robert Brown: When you are fighting opponents that are not at your level, how do you get up for those fights?
Hughie Fury: You can only fight what’s in front of you. I went in there relaxed, basically it was just another day to me, I didn’t get all hyped for the fight, it was just another day. I got the job done and it was an easy night’s work.
Robert Brown: Why do you think the top contenders in the division won’t fight you?
Hughie Fury: I’m sick to death with it really. I put all the hard work in my training in and I don’t get the benefits of fighting good people to show my abilities and what I can do. Hopefully 2016 is a good year and I’ll get some good fights in.
Robert Brown: Do you have anyone in mind that you would like to fight in 2016?
Hughie Fury: I don’t care, as long as they are guys with ranking. I’ll just jump in the ring and let my fists do the talking.
Robert Brown: How far away do you think you are from a title shot? If one came up short notice, do you think you would be ready for it?
Hughie Fury: Yeah it depends on who it is. I’d definitely take the shot but realistically if I’m to say, in around another two years. It depends on how my progress is in 2016, if we get some good opponents. We just don’t know, it could be by 2017 when I’m fighting for a world title, you never know.
Robert Brown: What do you think of the depth of the heavyweight division and where do you think you fit in?
Hughie Fury: There’s a few good prospects coming up as well. It’s exciting times in the heavyweight division. I said I’ll fight any one of them, that’s not a problem, hopefully we get some good opponents. There are excellent times ahead.
Robert Brown: Besides your cousin, do you think you are the next best heavyweight in the division?
Hughie Fury: Yeah, guaranteed. No matter what, me and Tyson will rule the heavyweight division. It will be like the two Klitschko’s, we’ll be the Fury’s ruling the division. Slowly but surely it’s a guarantee, we’ll get there no matter what.
Robert Brown: How do you feel about Tyson Fury’s performance against Klitschko and what do you think happens in the rematch?
Hughie Fury: Tyson stuck to the gameplan and completely out boxed Wladimir Klitschko, it was a good performance. To be honest with you, that’s about seeing only 60% of Tyson. The next fight you will see a different Tyson all together because I know he’s capable of more than that. I reckon the next fight will be an easier fight. I think in the next fight Tyson will knock him out.
Robert Brown: What do you think of a possible Kell Brook vs. Amir Khan fight and who would you be tipping in that one?
Hughie Fury: That would be a good fight with Amir Khan and Kell Brook. I reckon Khan will beat him to be honest with you. I think Khan’s the better fighter, is more experienced and has fought the better people. I’m behind Khan on that one by points. He’s got more ring craft, and I think it will be a good fight but I reckon Khan will win it.
Robert Brown: Billy Joe Saunders defeated Andy Lee, did you see the fight and what did you think of it?
Hughie Fury: Yeah I was there and he knocked him down early on and Billy Joe just settled down. He should have worked more after the fight, he just felt that he was in too much of a comfort zone. If he would have put more work into it, he would have had a better decision. I still reckon Billy Joe won the fight a lot more convincingly than what the scores were. I definitely didn’t think it was anywhere near a draw, or a close fight to be honest you. I had Billy Joe a bit more ahead.
Robert Brown: Manny Pacquiao seems to be facing Timothy Bradley next, what do you think of that bout?
Hughie Fury: I still think Manny should win the fight by points. I think Bradley is a tough guy, I think it’s by points.
Robert Brown: Floyd Mayweather is retired, do you think he will come back for another fight?
Hughie Fury: He’s 49-0 now, I reckon he will come back for that 50th fight. I think it’s all a plan for him to come out after the 50th and make a big massive fight and retire on number 50. I believe he’ll have one more fight, that’s it.
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(I would like to personally Thank Jenna J and Michael Readman for their help this past year and also would like to thank all the readers that have supported my work. Happy Hoilday’s and see you in the new year.)
Hughie is a young guy and I am not doing to say he can’t get better, but I don’t see championship level. The reason they turned down the the Wilder fight was not due to the amount of time, as he would of had 7 weeks, it was turned down due to his team knowing he was not ready.
Peter Fury is a good trainer, so Hughie could become something if they take their time. Don’t put him with a killer for a few more years. Build, and maybe he can be a champion too.