Tyson Fury eased to victory on the occasion of his first fight in Las Vegas as he furthered his reputation as the world’s finest heavyweight by stopping Germany’s Tom Schwarz in the second round.
Fulfilling a lifelong ambition of finally fighting in Sin City, at the revered MGM Grand, he showed a destructive edge he has rarely previously demonstrated to justify the significant interest he has generated in the US since his fight with Deontay Wilder.
Fury had perhaps re-established himself as the world’s leading heavyweight with December’s thrilling draw against the American, when his performance deserved victory, and his reputation grew to such an extent he signed a lucrative contract to fight on ESPN out of the US against an unremarkable opponent.
Concerns persisted that the rounded abilities he traditionally favours over power and strength meant he would win without the sense of drama generated against Wilder and instead effortlessly out-jab Schwarz in the same way he once did Dereck Chisora. Instead, he fought to make a statement and succeeded in doing exactly that.
Wearing the US stars and stripes to and in the ring - in an obvious attempt to further his growing popularity among Americans - he made a typically fast start to highlight the extent of the challenge the 25-year-old Schwarz faced.
Fury was delighted with his own performance, insisting he put on seven pounds since his last fight with Wilder and highlighting the goal of having fun in the ring as pivotal to his dazzling display.
“The key was to enjoy myself,” Fury said. “I used the jab. I was slipping [punches] with my hands down and sliding and shifted to southpaw.
“I caught him with a straight left. It was a good shot. It would have put anybody away.”
Fury then added that he now intends to fight in September or October, with the Wilder rematch pencilled in for early next year.
“I got a big man out of there with the left hook,” Fury said after his emphatic victory. “He caught me with a couple of shots, so fair play to him.
“It was amazing, I hope America enjoyed it. I’m not one of those who take myself too seriously. September 21 or October 5, I think in New York, then I’ll hunt down Wilder.
“I won’t look past today, but Bob and Frank will get deals done, then we’ll fight Wilder early next year.”
