FURY FODDER
Tyson Fury comeback opponents: Six men the Gypsy King could face as he build towards Anthony Joshua showdown
Frank Warren says Fury is just a handful of fights from reclaiming belts he dropped to focus on fighting demons
TYSON FURY is back and on the hunt for three or four victims before he can line up the world title shot he craves with Anthony Joshua.
The former unified heavyweight champion of the world has been out since November 2015 battling against injury, depression and weight-gain.
7
But promoter Frank Warren says he is just a handful of fights away from reclaiming the belts he dropped to focus on fighting his demons outside the ring.
Fury insists - after overcoming mental illness - that his only goal is to once again dance under the bright lights of a boxing arena and he looks close to Strictly Come Dancing level, just a stone away from prime fighting weight.
But the competitor inside him is burning bright again and he cannot help but insult the talents of AJ and WBC champ Deontay Wilder - with a view to doing more than the foxtrot with both.
SunSport looks at the names in the frame to face the 6ft 9in star as he aims to reclaim the world he once held in his giant hands.
Tyson Fury returns June 9th to the Manchester Arena
KEVIN JOHNSON
Fury beat the 38-year-old American on a unanimous decision in 2012 and the ‘Kingpin’ has gone on to suffer losses at the hands of Brits Dereck Chisora and Anthony Joshua.
The New Jersey veteran has had 42 fights and only lost nine of them - just two by stoppage - but he has fallen short when stepping up against the likes of Vitali Klitschko in 2009, Manuel Charr in 2014 and Kubrat Pulev in 2017.
After going 23 fights undefeated at the start of his career, Johnson is definitely on the slide but his durability and Fury’s inside knowledge of him make it a safe bet for comeback fight No1.
FURY SLIP Has Tyson Fury comeback opponent been accidentally revealed as Kevin Johnson by Frank Warren?
7
SHANNON BRIGGS
The American is not a bad boxer but he is a very old boxer.
The 46-year-old has become more famous in recent years for his ‘lets go, champ’ catchphrase than his fighting.
Briggs’ CV remains impressive with a lineal title win over fading legend George Foreman in 1997 but he was beaten by Lennox Lewis just four months later.
Like Fury, Briggs has battled depression and obesity and won and he revealed recently that Fury has been texting him regarding a bout.
7
DAVID PRICE
The towering Liverpool hero will need some time to recover after getting poleaxed by Alexander Povetkin on March 31 on the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker undercard.
But there is history between the two beanpoles that helps make a domestic war.
Fury made a habit of denigrating Price’s early achievements and skills but he sent him a good-luck - albeit futile - message before the Russian KO’ed him in Wales.
It would be an easy fight to make in the north of England and - although fans concerned for Price’s health have urged him to retire - the chance of a Fury payday could seduce him.
7
MOST READ IN BOXING
TONY BELLEW
David Haye on May 5 is the Bomber’s first port of call as he aims to repeat his March stoppage of the ex-heavyweight world champion. But there seems to be an offer from Fury already on the table.
Matt Macklin - boss at boxing management group MTK Global who Fury has credited with aiding his comeback - says a showdown between the two would be perfect.
The Everton fan moved up from cruiserweight to cut Haye down to size but he has ruled out fighting Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder next due to their size and power.
But Bellew would have less to fear from Fury who is more interested in fitness and technique than banging people out.
7
DERECK CHISORA
The rock-hard North Londoner has already been beaten by Fury on two occasions but they are best buddies and Del Boy is keen to help with the Traveller’s resurrection.
The two previous fights have been far from classics but it would mean Fury would be faced with no surprises and Chisora’s superhuman durability would guarantee Fury the rounds he needs to get fight-fit.
Even if fans have already seen this battle twice, the pair would be sure to sell it with build-up stunts as both have form for going the extra mile to sell tickets.
7
RETURN OF THE KING Tyson Fury brands Anthony Joshua a ‘dosser’ as he announces return to ring
NICK WEBB
The Guildford ABC star is desperate for a big fight after missing out on almost a year of his career through failed fights and boxing politics.
A massive comeback KO win in February on Sky Sports announced his return to the heavyweight division and only a shoulder injury has stopped him building on that.
The 6ft 5in Chertsey fighter is also a free agent which makes planning a potential fight much more straightforward for promoter Frank Warren to arrange.
7
Has Tyson Fury comeback opponent accidentally been revealed by Frank Warren?
Topics