Amir Khan came out in support of Tyson Fury this week, saying Fury’s career stands alone when ranked in comparison to British heavyweight champions of years gone by.
Fury has come under criticism from fans in recent weeks over his decision to fight Derek Chisora for a third time. Khan, however, spoke out in defence of ‘The Gypsy King’ when speaking to Boxing Social in Abu Dhabi.
“But what he [Fury] has done in the sport of boxing, I don’t think we’ve had a British heavyweight champion who’s done what he’s done.
So credit to Tyson, even if he called it a day today, I think we’d all be very happy with his career. He’s had an enormous and a magnificent career.”
The announcement of Chisora as Fury’s opponent for his fight at Tottenham Hotspurs’ stadium on December 3rd was met with widespread disapproval from the boxing public, mainly due to the fact Fury has already defeated ‘Del Boy’ in comfortable fashion on two occasions.
Though Khan stated he believes that had it been down to Fury, there would have been a higher calibre opponent standing in the opposite corner in London next month.
“I do feel for him, because he doesn’t get the fights he wants.”
Fans will be hoping the trilogy fight with Chisora will simply serve as a tune up for Fury before an undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk next year, with talks with the Ukranian’s team and Fury’s promoters Queensberry said to be progressing well.
With negotiations with Anthony Joshua’s representatives collapsing last month to universal disappointment, there is unlikely to be much forgiveness from punters should another major fight for Fury fail to materialise.