Queensbury Promotions' Frank Warren is defending the selection of heavyweight contender Tom Schwarz as Tyson Fury's next opponent.
The two unbeaten boxers are set to face off on June 15 in Las Vegas in a fight that will be streamed on ESPN+ in the United States. The reception of the fight has been mixed, to say the least, with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn calling the fight "dreadful."
In response to some of the criticism headed towards the fight, Warren dedicated part of a column he wrote for Metro and said Schwarz's credentials do warrant a shot at Fury.
"If you look at the top five heavyweights behind Joshua, Wilder and Fury, how many of them are well known? Schwarz was chosen because he was ranked No. 2 with the WBO and he’s got an undefeated 24-0 record," Warren wrote.
Schwarz's 24-0 also rings up Warren's memories of Fury when his record also stood at a perfect 24-0. It was the same record Fury possessed when he won the biggest fight of his career back in 2015.
"Coincidentally, that is the same record Tyson had when he fought, and beat, Wladimir Klitschko. No one can claim Tyson has ducked anyone. He’s been everywhere, fighting in everyone else’s backyard," Warren said.
The fight will be Fury's first since signing a multi-year co-promotional deal with Top Rank Boxing and ESPN that will have Fury compete in the United States at least twice a year. Some of the criticism also stem from Fury not fighting WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder next, despite the two sides progressing towards a deal before Fury's signing with Top Rank. Warren's column can be read at this link.
