Peter Fury: “Tyson Fury will take on anyone to get to a world title. It doesn’t matter who holds it!”

Standing in the shadow of behemoth heavyweight contender Tyson Fury, is the driving force of Team Fury, Peter Fury. Despite no former background as a trainer, up to this point Peter has proven his worth in guiding the careers of Tyson and young prospect Hughie Fury. Knowing when and how to match your fighter is as vital as any job of a trainer. Thus far, Peter has performed his role perfectly. The latest addition of Eddie Chambers to the Fury camp proves Peter’s success has not gone unnoticed. I caught up with Peter recently to discuss Tyson’s future and standing in the heavyweight division, Hughie and the heavyweight scene.

Frank Walsh: We’ve seen Tyson Fury finally in the ring competing again against Joey Abell. What was the gameplan heading in?

Peter Fury: Just to take a look at Abell for a few rounds and stand behind the jab.

Frank: Tyson came into the bout carrying quite a bit of excess weight. Inactivity paired with the obvious frustration on the Haye clash not materializing, Tyson must have gone through a dark few months. Will we see Tyson in the ring by April?

Peter: Yes, Tyson will be back in the ring by April and in great shape.

Frank: If Tyson does fight and comes away with the win in April, will he head straight into another camp for a clash with Derek Chisora this summer? With three possible camps back to back, would burnout be a concern?

Peter: Yes when he comes through his April bout, we will look for Chisora providing he comes through with a victory and healthy as well. No, burnout is not an issue at all. Tyson’s had a week off and then back in the gym.

Frank: A fighter’s instincts are almost impossible to rewire. We have seen many times Tyson begin a fight with a specified game plan, using his height and reach. A tendency to engage in wild exchanges soon takes hold. Against a seasoned champion such as Wladimir Klitschko, could you envision Tyson committing to a strict gameplan for twelve rounds if required?

Peter: I agree composure is everything when competing against the world elite. But Tyson is very special. He can do it all and raise his game to any level. Their will be no flaws when the time comes. Tyson can focus when it is required. But against domestic level fighters, he more or less does what he wants.

Frank: Hughie looks to be the more composed Fury of the camp. He has shown patience and maturity, looking to pick shots where openings appear. Hughie’s body shots in his last outing were particularly impressive. Perhaps personalities coming through in their different ring styles. Is that a quality you had to instill in Hughie? Or is it simply a natural trait? Opposed to Tyson’s sometimes rock ‘n’ sock em style.

Peter: Hughie is very serious in the ring and Tyson loves to make a show. He’s a natural showman with a huge personality. The heavyweight scene needs Tyson Fury. He’s a fresh air to a dull division. Hughie is just 19 and doing his learning very well.

Frank: Do you plan to move Hughie up another notch this year? Perhaps a Sam Sexton type fight?

Peter: Yes I will step him up this year for sure now.

Frank: A dramatic shift of dominance occurred from the American heavyweights dominating the heavyweight landscape. European heavyweights now occupy a position of dominance. Where did the Americans go wrong? Did the talent stream simply run dry?

Peter: I just believe the American heavyweight fighters got lazy. Work ethics that are not up to par and relying too much on boxing skill rather than hard work and dedication. I see the USA coming back strong though. But not from any ex footballers, period!!

Frank: The American heavyweight scene has seen a resurgence as of late. Deontay Wilder faces Malik Scott and Chris Arreola clashes with Bermane Stiverne for Vitali’s vacated World title. In a mini tournament of sorts, the two winners will meet for the title. Who do you see emerging with the world title?

Peter: The main heavyweight stateside I see with promise right now is (Bryant)Jennings. Arreola can fight and I like the guy, real old school guy. Wilder hasn’t taken one shot yet so I’m not putting him at the top for that reason. He can give it 100%, but can he take it? We have no idea. I like Stiverne as well a lot.

Frank: In a recent online poll, fans voted for Wilder vs. Fury as the fight they most wanted to see at heavyweight. Is this fight on your radar? How does Tyson match up against Wilder?

Peter: Tyson vs. Wilder can happen for sure. We’re ready for that ASAP. Anytime.

Frank: The Klitschko dominance on the heavyweight division has now been fractured with Vitali vacating his title, a healthy development for the division in my opinion. Arreola meets Stiverne for the vacated title, with Wilder or Malik supposedly facing the winner. Is that a route you would take Tyson for a shot at a world title? Or would you prefer the Klitschko route?

Peter: Tyson will take on anyone to get to a world title. It doesn’t matter who holds it.

Frank: Eddie Chambers joined the Fury camp recently. Chambers has spoken very highly of yourself and the camp in general to the British media. How did this development come about? Did Eddie reach out to you?

Peter: Eddie has huge potential once he unlocks the door to achieve it. He’s a top guy and is improving all the time. He came to me as we get on well and he believes I can help him, which I believe I can.

Frank: What is the plan for Eddie Chambers in 2014?

Peter: The plan is for Eddie to fight four times this year. Starting off in March, April, May, June and the fourth being a title shot.

Frank: Lastly I can’t let you go with asking your opinion on what may be one of the biggest British fights of all time. Carl Froch meets George Groves for a second time on May 31st. How do you see the fight playing out this time around?

Peter: 50/50 fight. Whoever wants it most. I would have to give Groves an edge on youth. But it’s a genuine 50/50.

Thank you for your time Peter as always.