It has been over two years since that historic night in Düsseldorf.
Entering the contest as a heavy underdog, the boxing world would witness the self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ reign supreme; dethroning long-standing heavyweight ruler Wladimir Klitschko on points to record a stunning upset victory.
Tonight, after an almost 31-month exile, lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (25-0-0, 18 KO’s) returns to the ring to face little-known Albanian cruiserweight Sefer Seferi (23-1-0, 21 KO’s).
Fury will follow in the footsteps of heavyweight legends Muhammad Ali and Vitali Klitschko as a World champion who, after a prolonged period away from the sport, will return with the sole aim of regaining the crown.
The three world titles once held by Fury are now the prize of fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua – a money-spinning showdown between the pair seems inevitable… but first, Fury must work his way back into contention.
The 29-year-old has not fought since ripping the IBF, WBA and WBO titles from Klitschko in November 2015. During his time away away from the sport, Fury – who was barred from in-ring competition whilst a UK Anti-Doping investigation took place – admitted to using cocaine, as well as alcohol, to battle depression.
He returns without the guidance of uncle and ex-trainer Peter Fury in his corner: the man credited with improving Fury and guiding him to World title glory
Fury will instead walk out with new trainer Ben Davison, whose only notable experience working with a fighter of this level has been with Billy Joe Saunders. Davison attracted criticism from sections of the boxing community after guiding Saunders through an unimpressive display against Artur Akavov in 2016.
While not a great deal is known about Fury’s opponent Seferi, it is worth noting that his one and only loss came in September 2016 to the current WBA ‘Regular’ World heavyweight champion Manuel Charr.
It is that fight alone that will provide something of a yardstick for fans to measure Fury by.
However, the bout with Charr is Seferi’s sole appearance as a heavyweight since turning professional in 2007. Stepping into the ring with the 6ft 9” Fury, some deem it unlikely that Seferi will survive more than a few rounds.
Although the odds are heavily in Fury’s favour to end the contest with an explosive knockout, Seferi holds the distinction of never having been stopped – against admittedly modest opposition – and could prove to be a good test of fitness for Fury should he make it to the later rounds.
After shedding an incredible seven stones in preparation for his comeback, Fury would tower over his opponent at yesterday’s weigh-in. Seferi, as well as being almost a foot shorter than Fury, will also give up some five stones in weight, with the Albanian weighing in at 15st 2oz in contrast to Fury’s career-heaviest weight of 19st 10lbs.
The bout is served up as an opportunity for Fury to return to the ring in a virtually risk-free encounter. With the heavyweight division blossoming, his return to the mix has been warmly received by boxing fans, and Fury will no doubt be looking to reaffirm his place among the elite names in the division.
Article by: Emmily Simcock
You can follow Emmily on Twitter at: @emmily_jane