Manchester heavyweight hopeful Tyson Fury declared he will handle his opponent Steve Cunningham with ease in his American debut.
Fury goes into the fight a heavy favourite – former cruiserweight champion ‘USS’ Cunningham is giving up six inches in height, three inches in reach and around 40 pounds in weight.
And the Wilmslow-born heavyweight has an ego to match his giant 6 ft 9 frame and believes he will demolish his opponent in quick-fire fashion in the Theater at Madison Square Garden.
“I think I’m just going to dominate him, I’m just too big for him – a cat and a ball of wool, that’s what I’m expecting,” Fury told Eurosport. “It’s a cat and mouse job – cat always wins.
“I’m expecting him to come and have a fight and go home with his paycheck, just like the rest of them do – 20 have been in the ring and this guy is no different.”
The self-proclaimed saviour of the heavyweight division, currently 20-0 (14 KOs), has undeniable talent but American Cunningham represents his biggest – if not in stature – challenge to date.
But with a potential number two IBF ranking on the line – one fight away from a shot at champion Wladimir Klitschko – both men will be putting everything on the line.
However, Fury’s confidence appears to be unshakeable, calling out Cunningham (25-2 12 KOs) at the press conference and explaining what he has in store for his much-smaller opponent.
“All I’m going to do is run you through the fight – Fury comes out jabbing, Cunningham’s running around the ring and then boom, spark out,” he said. “That’s all you’re going to hear. Game over.
“That’s all I have to say, no more talking, the fight is here, let’s get it on, no more playing.”
The winner will go on to face unbeaten European champion and IBF number-one contender Kubrat Pulev – unbeaten at 17-0 (9 KOs) – for the right to face Klitschko.
Image courtesy of Kristal Hart, via YouTube, with thanks
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