by James Slater – As avid heavyweight boxing fans will surely know, heavily hyped British big man Tyson Fury got himself a most controversial win last September, as he won a ten-round decision over the experienced John McDermott. The bout contested the English heavyweight title, and Fury, with the help of sole judge (and referee) Terry O’Connor, won his first pro title via a hugely debated 98-92 score..
The anticipated rematch is only days away (next Friday, June 25th in Essex) and this time, O’Connor will not be involved in any capacity. Also not to be involved – as has been exclusively revealed by the invaluable site that is Boxrec.com – is vastly experienced trainer Brian Hughes. Hughes, former trainer of such talent as former super-middleweight king Robin Reid, started working with 22-year-old Fury, 10-0(8) a few months back, but the working relationship – that also included co-trainer and former “world” title challenger Pat “Black Flash” Barrett – evidently did not work.
Fury told Boxrec that he was not, in his opinion, receiving the attention from Hughes he felt he needed.
“I haven’t fallen out with Brian,” Fury told Ben Carey. “But I needed someone to be on my case every day telling me what to do otherwise I’m the type of guy who doesn’t do it. Brian Hughes wasn’t present in the gym all the time and sometimes neither was Pat Barrett. So I wasn’t always receiving the attention I needed.”
So, with Hughes now, unfortunately (in my opinion, anyway) out, Fury will go back to training with his uncle, Hughie Fury – the man who has worked with him for all but one of his first ten pro bouts. And though a change of trainer this close to any major fight is often frowned upon, Fury says he is looking forward to the rematch of his toughest fight to date, and that he is looking forward to being “explosive” on June 25th.
“I’m looking forward to the fight,” Fury said of the McDermott return. “It’s certainly going to be explosive and entertaining for the fans so all I can say is, ‘don’t blink’. I’m confident of winning but I’m not going to make a prediction.”
The last fight, almost a year ago, was exciting and fan-friendly, but the controversial score handed in by O’Connor grabbed all the headlines. Can Fury improve on his last performance and win in style this time – even without ace trainer Hughes? Or will the underrated McDermott once again show Fury how tough the pro ranks can be; even for a guy with such a catchy nickname?
For what it’s worth, I think we will se another hard-fought, nip-and-tuck affair – with Fury once again going home with a points win.
Of added interest: the June 25th rematch will also be a final eliminator for the British heavyweight belt, currently held by the unbeaten Derek “Del Boy” Chisora.