Tyson Fury - 'I'm so glad I'm not fighting some big fat Bulgarian'

Tyson Fury has long been seeking a big challenge and judging by the size of giant American Nicolai Firtha, promoter Mick Hennessy has found him just that.

On September 17 in Belfast's King's Hall, Fury will literally come face to face with his latest challenge.

It's been a promotional experience fraught with problematic issues for Hennessy. From the initial uncertainty over Fury's headline opponent to fighters routinely disappearing from the undercard, he has had his fair share of headaches. But in the form of behemoth Firtha at least he has a man who on previous form at least, will stand up and take his lumps.

"I’m so glad it’s happening and I’m happy it wasn’t just some big fat Bulgarian!" Fury half-joked. "It will be a stiff test and if I get through this then the sky is the limit – Klitchkos, I’m coming."

That will certainly be for a different day but Tyson was craving another testing scrap, after popping the unbeaten record of Dereck Chisora and unifying the British and Commonwealth titles in his last fight.

"We tried to get Mike Perez because we thought he would be a test. We tried to get David Price and a few different fellas. They all pulled out or there was something wrong with them. Now this guy has come over, so it’s just around the corner and we are all really excited. I know he is a big fella. I stood next to him and he is about 6’6" and around 17-18 stone. He went the distance with Alexander Povetkin and he has fought some top heavyweights.

"He fought a guy called Tony Grano – a top American – and knocked him out in two rounds so he is a dangerous fighter. He is big and can box so it should be a good fight."

The Chisora contest was screened live by Channel 5, on a juicy Saturday night slot, and an all-action affair left the broadcaster hungry for more. TV fans would likely have been less enthused had a strapping young guy like Fury been put in with a smaller opponent, no matter what his credentials and Hennessy really had to get someone who matches up physically on the night. Not that size particularly mattered when Tyson faced off with squat brawler Chisora.

"I had two weeks off after the (Chisora) fight then I was straight back into training. I’m not a big drinker and I don’t smoke or anything so it’s quite easy for me to get back into training and stay in good shape all the time," said Tyson. "It means a lot to me to fight in Belfast because I boxed for the Holy Family club and there was a lot of stuff going round about me not going to the Olympic Games and that.

"Now it’s sorted I’m eligible for the Irish title. Hopefully I get over this fight because I want to get back over here in November for another fight. If this all goes well I will be back for another big fight against maybe the European champion Alexander Dimitrenko or someone like that."

Mick Hennessy is already planning a November return and has recently talked about putting Tyson Fury on in Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick's weekend, next year. Hebnessy is suitably honoured to be gracing the legendary King's Hall venue on Saturday night and says that two in-shape heavyweights will clash in the attractive headliner.

"Tyson doesn’t underestimate anyone and is looking for the best out there," promised Mick. "It is a special occasion for both of us and something we always wanted to do in our careers so we are very excited about Saturday night. Nicolai has fought the majority of his career in the United States. He has done things the hard way throughout his career and he is a handful to say the least and if he is given the opportunity he can turn things around."

So what of Nicolai Firtha? Appearing outside the famous old hall sporting a Kerry GAA shirt, Firtha has dug up some Irish ancestry just in time for the big fight.

"I got in touch with family over here and they know I have been fighting as a pro for seven years now," said Firtha. "I was meant to come over a couple of years ago but it just wasn’t the right time in my career but now it is a good time. This is going to be a great contest and even thinking about it now, it is going to be a backyard brawl and I’m really looking forward to it.

"I know Tyson comes in good shape, is very skilled and athletic. That’s pretty rare in the game and especially in the heavyweights. I will be wearing very symbolic trunks on Saturday. I wore them four years ago just a week before my father passed and I lost the fight. It was a tough time and I wasn’t sure whether I would box again or not. I brought those shorts over with me and I made a promise to myself I would never lose again while I’m wearing them so this is a very symbolic fight for me.

"This is a big fight for me and I’m looking forward to a good backyard brawl and I can’t wait for it," he added. Firtha looks strong and in good nick and most importantly has the physical attributes to take some big shots. He could be taking too many around the latter stages of the contest when I reckon Fury will score a stoppage win. The final word though goes to the big man himself.

"Don’t blink because it is going to be an all-action showdown between two big heavyweights and we are both coming to win," Tyson concluded.