Fury facing German opposition
Tyson Fury will return from the longest absence of his career in an eight-rounder against Germany’s Hans-Joerg Blasko at the Huddersfield Leisure Centre tomorrow night (Friday 5th March). The vacant British super-featherweight title clash between Gary Sykes and Andy Morris headlines this Matchroom Sport promoted card.
Heavyweight Fury has been out of the ring for five months since injuring his hand during his six-round decision (60-57) win over Tomas Mrazek in Dublin last September. It was only the second occasion that the Manchester colossus had been taken the full trip and followed on from his hotly disputed English title points triumph against John McDermott a fortnight earlier.
Now under the tutelage of veteran trainer Brian Hughes, Fury (9-0) is looking to shake off some ring rust against Blasko before heading towards a keenly awaited English title rematch with McDermott in Manchester on 22 May. Their return meeting will also double as a final eliminator for the British title.
“I've been away and it's time to return back to my slot as the number one domestic heavyweight, in the premier league of boxing," said Fury in a press release issued today by his promoters, Hennessy Sports.
"Forget Derek Chisora, he's just been keeping my seat warm. While he's been snogging men, I’ve been sparring them. Once I'm done with Blasko on Friday night, I'll maybe have another fight before resolving the McDermott situation once and for all,” added Fury in typically tongue-in-cheek fashion.
Chisora hit the headlines for kissing Carl Baker at the weigh-in for their British title eliminator in Wembley last month before stopping Baker in two rounds once the real action commenced. Chisora was to challenge British champion Danny Williams that night but when Williams withdrew, Chisora invited Fury to share a ring with him in response to Fury’s £10,000 challenge to any domestic heavyweight who could floor him in sparring.
Fury chose to decline Chisora’s offer but has now indicated that he is willing to face his fellow unbeaten rival later this year. “In my opinion, it’s no surprise Danny Williams swerved Chisora. After all he has a wife and kids and you know, that's not his thing," laughed Fury.
"I've been saying for a while I would knock out Chisora, but maybe I should offer to put him to bed, that may be the right approach for a man of his inclination. But joking aside, if you’re reading this Derek, I've got a big smack on the lips waiting for you at the end of the year if you’re up to the job,” said Fury.
The 36-year-old Blasko, who stands four inches shorter than Fury at 6’5, possesses a respectable 9-3 (6) record but has been stopped in each of his three defeats. The useful Alexander Ustinov (who outpointed Michael Sprott) required only two rounds to take care of Blasko in July 2008. The German’s other defeats have come against the unbeaten Mario Preskar (third round retirement) and Christian Hammer (TKO2).
Blasko has won his last two against the winless Frank Pflege (pts6) and debutant Juri Zizer (TKO1) last time out but is not expected to threaten Fury’s unbeaten record.
