Tyson Fury has faced some of the most formidable heavyweights of his era, and has now disclosed which opponent gave him the toughest test.
The ‘Gypsy King’ became the unified world heavyweight champion by ending the lengthy reign of Wladimir Klitschko in a monumental upset nearly a decade ago.
Then, following a near three-year hiatus, Tyson Fury returned to the ring and, before long, took on Deontay Wilder for the WBC crown.
Shortly after his compelling trilogy with the pulverizing puncher, though, the 36-year-old suffered his first professional defeat to Oleksandr Usyk back in May, and now looks to exact revenge in their rematch on December 21.
Tyson Fury insists that Deontay Wilder was his toughest opponent
Of course, Fury has stayed relatively active in recent years – defeating solid operators such as Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora – and yet, Klitschko, Wilder and Usyk undoubtedly represent the highest caliber of opposition he has faced.
However, it seems that his absorbing battles with Wilder – coming away from them with two wins and a draw – have been, according to Fury, the most arduous outings of his 16-year career.
“Toughest opponent… I’m going to have to say [Deontay] Wilder,” Fury told Undisputed. “When I fought Wilder, he was in his prime, he was the man to beat, and he was a dynamite puncher.
“One mistake and it’s over, in any round – round one or round 12 – for sure. He was always my target, but I used to look at him and think: ‘wow, [imagine] getting hit by him.’
“I’d see him hit people and their legs would be shaking, out cold on the floor. They’re terrifying knockouts. The highlight reel knockouts that he has are up there with anybody’s, if not the best highlight reel knockouts.”
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk exchange blows on social media
Ahead of their eagerly anticipated rematch, Fury and Usyk have already initiated the fireworks with a brief back-and-forth on social media.
But then, shortly after the Ukrainian responded to his rival’s Instagram story, Fury decided to attack Usyk and his team, laying down his gauntlet before the pair lock horns at the end of this year.
After all, the Brit still insists that he had done enough to win their first encounter, which he ultimately lost via a split decision after overcoming a standing count in the ninth round.
Nevertheless, both heavyweights are seemingly looking forward to their grudge match, which looks set to deliver another spiteful build-up between the two camps.