Tyson's New Year's resolutions
Tyson Fury is all set for the ling-awaited undisputed showdown with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in February 2024.
But, who else could "The Gypsy King" potentially fight next year?
THE GYPSY KING WINS ????
Tyson Fury beats Francis Ngannou via split decision ????#BattleOfTheBaddest | #RiyadhSeason | #FuryNgannoupic.twitter.com/u8OFMSDN5q
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) October 28, 2023
Fury last appeared in the ring in October where he brought his record as a professional to 34-0-1. He now awaits an opponent for his next assignment, and many people will be hoping that will come against the WBA, IBF and WBO champion in the division. Here's a look at some of the goals Fury may have in mind for 2024.
Chance To Climb Pound-4-Pound List
The WBC heavyweight champion is just outside the top 10 in the Ring’s pound-for-pound list in the sport, and a victory over a top-10 opponent would help him shoot up the rankings. Fury has never held the top spot in the standings, so it would be a huge achievement to reach the summit.
Naoya Inoue, who is 1/20 in the current boxing betting odds to defeat Marlon Tapales in his next fight in the ring, is second in the latest P4P list, behind Terence Crawford, and he is the next top-10 boxer to feature before the rankings are updated.
With a big performance in early 2024, Fury can hopefully move his way up towards the big names on that list.
Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Fury’s legacy will be cemented if he can become the undisputed heavyweight champion. The last to do so was the great Lennox Lewis. He achieved that feat in 2000, at the time becoming the WBA, WBC and IBF champion. Fury would be the first to hold the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts at the same time.
There have been some great heavyweight champions over the last 23 years, including British boxers Anthony Joshua and David Haye, however, neither were able to secure the goods and establish themselves as the undisputed heavyweight champion. That is something that should motivate Fury, and for someone who is fully aware of the history of the sport, it will mean a lot to him should he match Lewis' achievement.
Ends Any Doubt About the Quality of the Opposition
One of the criticisms that has been thrown at Fury is that he has not beaten many of the leading boxers in his division. Two of his last three triumphs in the ring have come against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora. They are respected opponents, but neither are considered to be in the elite echelons of the blue-ribbon division.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua on points to retain his heavyweight titles ???????? pic.twitter.com/2ihxrijjuY
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 20, 2022
A victory for Fury over the only other champion in the heavyweight division would silence his critics. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion has made a seamless transition to the heavyweight ranks, with his accolades so far consisting of two victories over Joshua.
If the two champions in the heavyweight division were to clash, the winner would not only claim the number one tag, but they would also add their name to the roster alongside some of the greatest-ever boxers in the history of the sport.
If the Morecombe man achieves this fantastic feat, then many expect him to hang up his gloves and retire with his legacy intact. However, some believe that he won't be able to walk away without giving the fans the Fury vs Joshua fight first; then there's also the tantalising prospect of finishing his career with a Fury vs Wilder 4 at Wembley Stadium.
Fury will be hoping he can have a big 2024 and if he does accomplish some of the above, it could turn out to be the best year of his career so far.