While all the talk this weekend surrounds Luke Campbell and his chances of shocking the world by beating pound for pound king Vasyl Lomachenko, the fight taking place between Hughie Fury and Alexander Povetkin on the same card should also whet the appetite. Fury, who has recently signed with Matchroom, is looking to make it to the top, but Povetkin will prove to be a wily opponent.
Fury, 24, went 20-0 before tasting defeat for the first time, losing by majority decision to Joseph Parker in September 2017. It was a decision many felt should have gone Fury’s way, but after coming back and beating Sam Sexton convincingly, Fury was on the wrong side of a decision again following a bout with Kubrat Pulev in Bulgaria. Since then, Fury has swept aside Chris Norrad and Samuel Peter with relative ease, but Povetkin will be his biggest test yet.
Povetkin has only ever lost twice in a 36-fight pro career, first to Wladimir Klitschko by unanimous decision back in 2013, and then last time out when he lasted seven rounds in the ring with Anthony Joshua at Wembley. With such an impressive record, one which includes 24 knockouts, Fury will have to be on top of his game if he’s to overcome the determined Russian. The Stockport born heavyweight only need to look at the devastating knockout inflicted on fellow Brit David Price by Povetkin to know he’s up against a live opponent.
Fury, who has the potential to climb the rankings with a victory on Saturday night, will be looking to progress quickly after his switch to Matchroom, with Eddie Hearn the man to deliver the big fights. Recognising this as a great opportunity, Fury is said to have endured weeks of grueling training to be as prepared as possible for the bout at London’s O2 Arena. This means it might a smart move for boxing fans to dig out any unused betting bonuses and stick it all on British fighter.
Fury’s father Peter is also his trainer, and he’s the man tasked with overseeing what is said to have been a strict and demanding training camp. There’s been an increased effort to increase punch output, with Fury aiming to be able to throw five or six punches at a time. Kerry Kayes is also on aboard to handle strength and conditioning training, as well as nutrition, to ensure Fury is in the best shape possible as he looks to make a statement at the weekend.
While Fury will be looking to send out a message to the heavyweight division by getting Povetkin out early, he’s prepared for the fight to go all the way too, with Peter Fury insisting on his son taking on hellish sparring sessions to ensure all bases are covered. While it will be a difficult evening for Fury, especially against a very experienced opponent in Povetkin, he can overcome him. If he does, it will be interesting to see how quickly he can climb the heavyweight division, with some good fights out there to consider.
