Exclusive: Hughie Fury’s “destiny” to become heavyweight champion
HUGHIE Fury is convinced it is his “destiny” to become heavyweight champion of the world after describing boxing’s blue-riband division as “wide open.”
The Manchester based fighter insists he is only a couple of bouts away from challenging for one of the belts currently held by Oleksandr Usyk and fellow Briton Daniel Dubois.
Fury, whose cousin Tyson was defeated by Usyk for the undisputed crown earlier this year, is preparing for the third fight of a long-awaited comeback after health issues forced him to spend nearly three years out of the ring.
With Usyk, Tyson and Anthony Joshua - who faces Dubois for the IBF crown at Wembley Stadium next month - all in the autumn of their careers, Fury said: “I always told everyone, right from a very young age, that I wanted to be heavyweight champion of the world and I believe I will be.
“It’s not in my gift exactly when but I am certain it’s going to happen. It will be when it’s meant to be.
Boxing is in my blood and it’s not for the faint-hearted. But it’s a part of me. When there are times and you think you’re not going to box again, they make you want it so bad.
Hughie Fury
“You grit your teeth, face up to it, and battle through. I think it’s my destiny.”
Born in Stockport and trained by his father Peter, who steered Tyson to victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, Fury’s family tree is rooted in boxing. His other cousin, fellow heavyweight Nathan Gorman, is the great-nephew of undefeated bare knuckle champion and ‘King of the Gypsies’ Bartley Gorman.
Now back in the ring following a series of problems caused by previously undiagnosed allergies, Fury unsuccessfully challenged Joseph Parker for the WBO strap during the first phase of his career.
Although those problems stalled his progress up the rankings, Fury is adamant the timing of his return could prove advantageous.
I believe, with others maybe reaching the brow of the hill, the heavyweight division is wide open
Fury
“It’s my time to stamp my authority on it.
“It’s perfect timing. I always believe you are only ever two fights away from a world title happening so let’s get this done and make those fights happen. I’m determined to grab it with both hands.” told SportsBoom.
“I believe everything happens for a reason,” Fury added. “I’ve had hardships in life and battles outside of the ring.
“Now it’s about getting back and focusing on doing what I love doing. I’ve got the dedication and the experience, so I am certain all these big fights will happen.”
Fury’s dad has identified Zhilei Zhang, the two time conqueror of Joe Joyce, as a potential opponent for his son following next month’s appearance on a GBM card in Sheffield.
Fury himself mentioned Derek Chisora as an alternative option, after the veteran’s thrilling victory over fellow Londoner Joyce at the O2 Arena.
Aged 29, Fury has won 28 of his 31 professional outings with those three defeats all coming against world class operators.
“I’ve got so much experience and I’m still at such a young age, especially in this division,” Fury said.
“Now let’s get it on and make these big fights happen.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.