Tyson Fury could be approaching the twilight of his time at the top level of boxing as he prepares for a make-or-break bout with Oleksandr Usyk in their highly anticipated rematch on December 21.
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is set to host the heavyweight clash, and unlike times when Fury has previously hinted he would hang the gloves up – beating Dillian Whyte before returning to action against Dereck Chisora and Francis Ngannou – this could be it in a bout where the Fury vs Usyk odds are hard to call.
Fury, already recognised as one of the greatest heavyweights of his era, is looking to cement his legacy after suffering the first professional defeat of his career earlier this year to the Ukrainian.
While the heavyweight division has seen some legendary British champions, comparisons to pound-for-pound greats across all weight classes bring a broader perspective to the Gypsy King’s achievements.
In British boxing history, only a handful of fighters have finished at their very best, asserting their dominance to leave a lasting impact.
The Gypsy King, with his unique blend of boxing IQ, agility for his size, and charisma, has reignited discussions about his place among the greatest British fighters of all time. While direct comparisons are difficult due to weight class differences, we explore how Fury stacks up against some of the best Brits to ever grace the ring.
Lennox Lewis
The benchmark for a boxer of any era, Lennox Lewis remains the measuring stick for British heavyweights and is often cited as the greatest British boxer in history. The three-time heavyweight world champion unified the division during an era teeming with talent, defeating icons like Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson.
What sets Lewis apart is his ability to adapt, whether facing brawlers, technicians, or future Hall of Famers.
While Fury shares Lewis’s tactical prowess, his unbeaten streak offers a different kind of legacy, with Lewis boasting an impressive record of 41-2-1. Should Fury avenge his defeat to Usyk and reclaim heavyweight supremacy, comparisons between the two will undoubtedly intensify.
Joe Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe, one of the most decorated super-middleweights of all time, carved out a legendary career, retiring undefeated with a perfect 46-0 record.
The Welshman combined speed, volume punching, and elite footwork to dominate opponents over 15 years, claiming victories against the likes of Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins, and Roy Jones Jr.
The pride of Wales could adapt his game too, especially in the latter end of his career where the sharpness perhaps began to fade, and while he predominantly fought at light-heavyweight and super-middleweight, the Dragon could always be fancied in the boxing betting for his ability to pull something out of nothing.
Chris Eubank Sr.
Chris Eubank Sr. was as much a showman as he was a fighter, holding the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles from 1990 to 1995. His flamboyant personality, granite chin, and tactical acumen made him one of Britain’s most recognisable sporting figures. His trilogy of fights with Nigel Benn and bouts against Michael Watson elevated British boxing in the 1990s.
While Fury and Eubank share a flair for the dramatic outside the ring, Eubank’s legacy lies in his resilience and ability to entertain while delivering at the highest level. Fury’s larger-than-life persona and ability to sell fights owe much to fighters like Eubank, who turned boxing into theatre.
Eubank’s influence extends to the modern era, with his son, Chris Eubank Jr., recently fighting on the Saudi stage. His victory over Kamil Szeremeta produced four massive knockdowns as he carried on the good form he picked up by avenging his win over Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith.
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