Tyson Fury has long been regarded as one of the most talented boxers in the heavyweight division.
Whilst many of the top dogs rely on solid fundamentals and extreme power, the 6 foot nine man from Morecambe has always employed the movement of a much smaller man to rack up wins and become a two-time world champion.
He was recently out-boxed for the first time in his career when he came up against Ukrainian great and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk is regarded by many as the best fighter, pound-for-pound, on the planet, but for Fury’s money he isn’t the most talented man in the division.
Speaking to the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Fury praised former sparring partner Jared Anderson as just that.
“I would like to see Jared Anderson back in the mix. The young big baby. Now, for me, he’s the most talented heavyweight in the world. By far.”
In his eighteenth bout, disaster struck for Anderson. The switch-hitter from Toledo, Ohio came up against immovable object Martin Bakole and was dropped three times on his way to a fifth round stoppage loss. He had failed the acid test after 17 mostly straightforward and impressive wins.
Fury, like Anderson’s promoter Bob Arum, believes the matchmaking was to blame.
“But, coming off his last fight he had a knockout loss. So talent just sometimes doesn’t cut it if you’re rushed into fights that you’re not ready for.
He fought this guy called Martin Bakole, who is an absolute seasoned man. 30-years-old, in the prime of his life, as strong as a rhinoceros. And he goes in there with a 24-year-old kid who’s had 17 tomato cans and come through with flying colours. He wasn’t ready for that fight. Maybe five, six more fights in a year or so away from that fight. It’s put him back a long way now, that does a lot to a fighter’s confidence.”
There has been no word yet on Anderson’s return but a rebuilding process is likely and smart. At 24-years-old, he still has time to be a great American heavyweight.
As for Fury, he gets a second crack at Usyk on December 21.
