Tyson Fury has only ever lost one professional fight so far.
That came back in May when he stepped into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk to compete for all four of the major world titles. It was the first undisputed fight in almost 25 years and saw Fury come out on the wrong side of a points decision after a close contest over 12 rounds.
In December this year, ‘The Gypsy King’ has a chance to avenge the loss and immediately after the first fight spoke of having too much fun in the ring and how he will improve.
His corner came under some fire for mixed messages in the later rounds but he has since confirmed he will stick with the same team second time round.
While he may still be considered one of the best fighters of his generation, former world champion Frank Bruno doesn’t think that makes him an all-time great.
He told DAZN that Fury would not have lasted back in his heyday of the 1980s and 1990s.
“I wish Tyson the best but he knows deep down in his heart that if he was around in the days that I was younger I would eat him for dinner and breakfast as well. I’m not going to sit here and disrespect him but we’re talking about the era I’ve been through, he’s living in a different cloud to what cloud I was on.”
Bruno lived during a time when the likes of Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson were world champions. He fought both Hall of Famers but recently revealed that in fact it was fellow champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith who hit harder than both of them.
Tyson Fury, widely known as “The Gypsy King,” has had an illustrious career in professional boxing, marked by his towering presence, formidable skills, and charismatic personality. Yet, despite his unbeaten streak for most of his career, Fury experienced a rare and significant setback earlier this year in May. This defeat came at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk in a historic bout that had the entire boxing world on edge. The match was not just another title defense; it was the first undisputed heavyweight championship fight in nearly 25 years, a contest for all four of the major world titles.
The bout between Fury and Usyk was an epic encounter that lived up to the hype surrounding it. Over the course of 12 grueling rounds, both fighters displayed their extraordinary talents, with each round intensifying the drama. Fury, known for his exceptional movement and unorthodox style, found himself in a close contest against Usyk, a fighter equally praised for his technical prowess and ring IQ. As the final bell rang, the judges’ scorecards were the only thing standing between Fury and the continuation of his undefeated record. However, when the scores were announced, it was Usyk who was declared the winner by a points decision, sending shockwaves through the boxing community.
Fury’s reaction to the loss was a mix of frustration and determination. He admitted that he might have been having “too much fun” in the ring, an approach that possibly cost him the victory. However, true to his resilient nature, Fury immediately set his sights on a rematch, vowing to correct the mistakes made in the first fight. The upcoming rematch, set for December this year, presents Fury with an opportunity to reclaim his titles and restore his standing as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
In the aftermath of the loss, some critics questioned the performance of Fury’s corner during the fight. There were reports of mixed messages being given to Fury in the later rounds, which could have contributed to his inability to adapt to Usyk’s strategy. Despite these criticisms, Fury has shown unwavering confidence in his team. He has confirmed that he will stick with the same corner for the rematch, believing that they have what it takes to guide him to victory the second time around.
Even with this recent setback, Tyson Fury is still considered one of the best fighters of his generation. His resume includes victories over some of the most formidable opponents in the heavyweight division, including Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder. However, not everyone believes that Fury’s achievements are enough to secure him a place among the all-time greats. Former world champion Frank Bruno, who reigned during the 1980s and 1990s, recently voiced his opinion on Fury’s legacy in an interview with DAZN.
Bruno, known for his own legendary career and his battles with Hall of Famers like Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, did not mince words when comparing Fury to the champions of his era. According to Bruno, Fury would not have lasted in the brutal heavyweight scene of the late 20th century. “I wish Tyson the best, but he knows deep down in his heart that if he was around in the days that I was younger, I would eat him for dinner and breakfast as well,” Bruno remarked. He went on to say that Fury is “living in a different cloud” compared to the era he fought in, suggesting that the level of competition and the ferocity of fighters in his time were on a different level.
Bruno’s comments reflect a common sentiment among some older fighters and boxing purists who believe that today’s heavyweights do not match up to the legends of the past. The 1980s and 1990s were indeed a golden era for heavyweight boxing, with a deep roster of talent and memorable rivalries that have become the stuff of legend. Bruno himself fought some of the hardest hitters of his time, including Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, both of whom are enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. However, Bruno recently revealed that it was actually James “Bonecrusher” Smith, another heavyweight champion of that era, who hit harder than both Tyson and Lewis, highlighting the toughness of the competition back then.
Tyson Fury’s place in boxing history is still being written, and while he may not have faced the same type of opponents that Bruno did, his accomplishments cannot be dismissed. He has brought a unique blend of showmanship and skill to the heavyweight division, reviving interest in a weight class that had lost some of its luster in the early 2000s. Fury’s battles with Deontay Wilder, in particular, have been hailed as some of the best heavyweight fights in recent memory, demonstrating his ability to come back from adversity and deliver thrilling performances.
The upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is another chapter in Fury’s storied career. If he can avenge his loss and reclaim the undisputed crown, it would be a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt, qualities that have defined his career. Whether or not he reaches the heights of the all-time greats like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, or even his contemporaries like Lennox Lewis, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Tyson Fury is far from finished, and the world will be watching closely as he attempts to reclaim his place atop the heavyweight division.
In the end, the debate over whether Fury would have thrived in a different era may never be settled. Boxing, like all sports, evolves, and comparisons across generations are always difficult to make. What is undeniable, however, is that Tyson Fury has made an indelible mark on the sport, and his journey is still unfolding. As he prepares for what could be the most important fight of his career, the world of boxing waits with bated breath to see what the future holds for “The Gypsy King.”