Fury parts company with trainer Hughes ahead of McDermott rematch

Tyson Fury has revealed to BoxRec News that he has parted company with veteran trainer Brian Hughes ahead of his rematch with John McDermott on Friday week (June 25). The Manchester prospect is now reunited with his Uncle Hughie Fury who has trained Tyson for all but one of his ten fights, the exception being Fury’s first-round blowout over Hans-Joerg Blasko last time out in March.

Responding to growing speculation that his preparation has been less than ideal in the build-up to this eagerly anticipated heavyweight rematch, Fury admitted:

“Yes, I know that people talk in Boxing and I’ve done a bit of training and a bit of sparring with a few sparring partners up in Lancaster (Hughie Fury’s base) and what will be, will be, we’ll have to wait and see on the night. I’m looking forward to the fight. It’s certainly going to be explosive and entertaining for the fans so all I can say is ‘don’t blink’. I’m confident of winning but I’m not going to make a prediction.”

“I haven’t fallen out with Brian Hughes but I needed someone to be on my case every day telling me what to do otherwise I’m the type of guy who doesn’t do it. Brian Hughes wasn’t present in the gym all the time and sometimes neither was Pat Barrett (Hughes’ chief assistant) so I wasn’t always receiving the sparring and the attention I needed,” continued Tyson.

The outspoken Fury received a barrage of criticism for his disappointing performance which saw him awarded a highly fortuitous 98-92 points victory by referee Terry O’Connor against McDermott for the English heavyweight crown last September. Never shy to volunteer his opinion, or indeed goad his domestic rivals, I was surprised to find Fury most magnanimous when I spoke to him over the phone for the first time.

If I didn’t know any better and, frankly, I don’t, I’d suggest that Fury sounded a little down. However, could it be that away from the cameras the 22-year-old is more humble than most would imagine and is willing to accept praise and condemnation in equal measure when warranted?

“When I’m boxing I’m a nasty person but when I’m out of the ring I’m just a regular guy. Some people like me, some don’t, but everyone has an opinion of me. I’ve received widespread coverage in every national newspaper since I turned pro. It’s very important for me to be noticed because I want to differentiate myself from all the other average bums out there who are boring. As Floyd Mayweather has said before, there is no such thing as bad publicity,” reasoned Fury.

“The criticism of my performance against McDermott was justified. I didn’t perform to the best of my ability and instead fought McDermott’s fight instead of him fighting mine so it’s right that I came in for some stick. I felt flat, I didn’t feel right and I wasn’t enjoying myself which is very important. I need to be enjoying what I’m doing in the ring if I’m going to produce my best.”

“The reality is that I have no excuse for why I didn’t perform the last time. McDermott was no better or worse than I expected. He didn’t surprise me, his style isn’t hard to figure out but he’s effective at what he does. My performance could have been down to a million of reasons but the only thing I could possibly put my finger on is that I had a lot of tough sparring in Germany up to five days before the fight which may or may not have been a factor. I don’t wish to bore people by dwelling on it, I’ve cut my sparring down a little for the rematch so I think that will make a difference,” Fury added.

As well as being for the English title, the Fury-McDermott rematch will double as a final eliminator for the British heavyweight title currently held by Derek Chisora. Whoever prevails next Friday is expected to meet the winner of Chisora’s first defence against Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton (another rematch, Chisora was a sixth round stoppage victor over Sexton when they previously met).

“I don’t care who wins that one. I’ll fight any of them and I’ve never ducked anyone, amateur or pro. It's worth remembering that I challenged for the English title after only seven fights which is virtually unheard of. First of all I need to take care of McDermott and I’m looking forward to it,” said Fury.