Tyson Fury opponent choices are spot on despite criticism from fight fans
Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King, is back. His next fight is set, but it isn’t who you might have expected.
It’s not Jarrell Miller; it’s not domestic rival Anthony Joshua – who’s a -300 favorite on the boxing odds boards over Ruiz on December 7th – and it isn't Deontay Wilder… yet.
Tyson Fury recently fought Tom Schwarz, an unbeaten but underwhelming opponent, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for Fury. The Brit got some backlash for picking a fighter like Schwarz, who he brutalised in just two rounds. Trainer Ben Davison spoke sense when he defended the choice of recent opponents by pointing out that the heavyweights they want to face are tied up with other promoters and networks.
Tyson is looking at keeping the ring rust off, staying active and in shape for his next big fight, which is just around the corner in February 2019 with Deontay Wilder.
His next fight is all locked in for September 14th and it’s another lesser-known boxer. Otto Wallin is a Swedish fighter who is 21-0. Despite the impressive sounding unblemished record, he has never been anywhere this kind of level.
Tyson Fury is giving him the chance of a lifetime. And even though some might scoff at the selection, again, it makes sense. First of all, according to Fury, Wallin was not the first fighter on his list. Apparently, he approached four different fighters and offered them a bout in the ring and they all refused. Trevor Bryant said no. Kubrat Pulev also declined. Alexander Povetkin was also on the call list and he said no. Charles Martin? Also no.
He would have also taken fights with Dillian Whyte or Jarrell Miller, but they could not be arranged due to the doping allegations and failed drug tests. So, this leaves us with Otto.
Otto is a six-foot-six southpaw from Sundsvall, Sweden poses an interesting fight for Fury. His height and the fact that he’s a lefty is the perfect tune-up combo to prep for Wilder in 2020. The one physical area that the Swede lacks in comparison to 'The Bronze Bomber' is his reach, Although of similar height, the 29-year-old Swede gives up around five inches of reach to Wilder. However, he is a top-ranked contender, and positioned at No. 4 in the world, Otto can’t be overlooked.
Tyson Fury stated that the most important thing for a heavyweight, and especially himself, is to remain active. So, in essence, he would have taken a fight with anybody. He needs to keep active to keep his drive and motivation up and he brought up a good point in a recent interview about wanting to fight the best of the best [Wilder] while sharp, instead of sitting on the bench, waiting for the ‘right fights’ and then having to sharpen up right before the fight.
One thing is for certain when Wilder and Fury face one another again, it will be almost like watching a different fight altogether. Deontay Wilder will make his adjustments, his new game plan will definitely involve more calm and collected strategy. And now Fury will be in prime form. In many people’s eyes, Fury bested Wilder in their last meeting. This was coming off three years out of the ring, and quickly getting back into shape and taking a couple of easy tune-up fights with just six months of activity right before hopping into the ring with one of the best punchers heavyweight boxing has ever seen.
And it was a great match. All the drama one could ask for out of a match that was as hyped as this. Even so, Tyson Fury stated retrospectively that he never should have taken that first fight with Wilder; it was a year too soon.
Well, that time is almost up. But Fury has to get by Otto first – and convincingly– if he wants to taken seriously for that rematch with Wilder.