Tyson Fury claims we are seeing him in a boxing ring for the final time against Dillian Whyte at Wembley on Saturday. If so he gets my blessing for going out on his own terms in good health.
Fury is the favourite but with all that has gone on in our sport this week regarding law enforcement and Fury's former advisor Daniel Kinahan, he might be vulnerable.
You could see from the interview he gave to Sky Sports that Fury was a frustrated man, which is not the right mindset to take into a title defence against a dangerous opponent.
The whole world was intent on asking him questions he did not want to answer. Fury could go into the fight with his head in the wrong place which provides an opening for Whyte. Fury, along with so many others, formed a relationship with Kinahan, who was alleged in Irish court documents to be involved in organised crime and this week sanctioned by the US State Department. Kinahan has no criminal convictions and denies the allegations.
Fury refuses to condemn the fugitive in light of the allegations. Here is the world heavyweight champion admired by millions of kids, people of impressionable age, and he has neither acknowledged that he was friendly with an alleged criminal organisation nor apologised.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Fury beat Whyte? Let us know in the comments section
Only time will tell if his reputation is tarnished should Kinahan be convicted and the alleged criminal nature of his relationship with boxing confirmed. In terms of pure talent and range Whyte should not be in Fury’s league. Fury should outbox him, wear him down and knock him out in the championship rounds if not before.
Whyte’s two defeats came by stoppage, against Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin, though the latter was avenged. Yet Whyte knows this is his chance. I would imagine he will have worked hard for this. Give him a glimmer and he will come for Fury. Whyte’s odds improve should Fury slow down later in the fight, so he will be looking to frustrate and wait for his opportunity.
If Fury brings his best he wins. If not it gets interesting. Whyte has the power to finish it with a single shot. Both could hit the canvas. Whyte will need to get off to a good start and build confidence. If he does, and lands that looping right over the top or a big left hook don’t be surprised were the night to end with those iconic words “and the new...”.
