Tyson Fury has launched a scathing attack on the current heavyweight champions, dismissing them as 'gifted' titleholders who have not earned their belts through meaningful fights.
Fury's return to the ring
The 'Gypsy King' returns to action on Friday night against Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in a behind-closed-doors fight in Thailand. Fury last fought three months ago, outpointing Arslanbek Makhmudov in front of over 60,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Shifting heavyweight landscape
Since Fury's return, the heavyweight division has undergone significant change. Oleksandr Usyk dropped his WBA 'super', WBC and IBF belts after a controversial stoppage win against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt in May. Murat Gassiev now holds the WBA title, Agit Kabayel is the WBC champion, Daniel Dubois became a two-time world champion by knocking out Fabio Wardley for the WBO strap, and the IBF belt remains vacant.
Fury's tirade
When asked where he fits into the current heavyweight picture, Fury did not hold back. 'All those men have been gifted world titles. They never actually fought anyone to get one,' he said on Wednesday. 'Fabio Wardley - gifted a world title. Daniel Dubois - gifted a world title. Agit Kabayel - gifted a world title. Murat Gassiev - gifted a world title. How could you compare them men to me? Who's fought legends of the game and beat them for world titles.'
Fury added: 'They're in their own little group, and I am f****** on top of the Empire State Building. They have got f*** all I want. They do not have any money. I have already had all the belts.' He also questioned the recognition of the current champions, saying 'This Gassiev guy who has just won a world title, who knows that guy outside of Russia? Nobody.'
Future plans
The 37-year-old insisted he has earned the right to do whatever he wants. 'I want to just keep busy and do me. I paid the price. I have fought four or five world title eliminators. I fought all the top contenders... champions... unifies and all of that s***. I have earned the right to do what the f*** I want now.'
Fury is expected to defeat Wach and then face long-time rival Anthony Joshua in a highly-anticipated all-British clash in November.
