Promoter Frank Warren has declared that Tyson Fury will go on to prove himself the greatest heavyweight of his generation, despite the Gypsy King's lengthy absence from the ring due to mental health and substance abuse issues. Warren insists Fury remains the lineal world champion, a title that traces back to John L Sullivan in 1885, and that he still outranks current belt holders Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
Warren said: 'AJ simply picked up the belts that Tyson left behind. He and Wilder are good heavyweights but unless one of them beats Fury neither of them is the true world champion. Those fights have to happen.' Fury, 29, makes his comeback this Saturday against Albanian veteran Sefer Seferi at the Manchester Arena.
Warren acknowledged that Seferi, a career cruiserweight who stands 5ft 11ins, is a modest opponent, but stressed the importance of a step-by-step rebuilding process. 'We're not stupid. We know he's smaller. But being shorter does not make you a bad heavyweight and this guy is a knockout puncher. All the great fighters who have been successful in comebacks have taken it step by step.'
The promoter also praised Fury's courage in overcoming his mental health struggles: 'When you hit rock bottom like that you have to climb back by bearing your soul. That takes courage and Tyson has done it.' Warren, who once doubted Fury before his win over Dereck Chisora, now believes Fury's 'exceptional boxing brain' and hand speed remain intact, with only his legs a potential concern.
After the Seferi bout, Fury could move on to face WBA 'regular' champion Manuel Charr, who will be at ringside on Saturday.
