Eddie Hearn has voiced his opinion on the two reported options for Tyson Fury’s next opponent.
Fury hasn’t been in the ring since he defeated Derek Chisora for a third time back in December. After that victory, unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, stepped onto the ring apron to square up to WBC Champion and it seemed like the undisputed fight was a formality.
But this is boxing, talks dragged on, negotiations became public over social media, and eventually Usyk’s team pulled out due to rematch financials.
Since the collapse attention has turned to a potential four-man heavyweight tournament targeted to take place in Saudi Arabia this December. It would see Anthony Joshua take on Deontay Wilder and Fury and Usyk finally battle it – both on the same night.
It’s believed most, if not all, of those four will take a fight beforehand and reports suggest the frontrunners to take on Fury are Andy Ruiz Jr and Zhilei Zhang.
Andy Ruiz JR
Ruiz cause one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history when he defeated Joshua back in 2019, but came in underprepared for the rematch and ‘AJ’ regained his titles with a wide points decision.
Zhilei Zhang
Zhang is coming off the back of a career best win against Joe Joyce, stoping the Brit in the sixth round after causing extensive damage to The Juggernaut’s right eye.
Speaking to Boxing Social about the potential opponents, Hearn doesn’t see any issue for Fury, whoever he picks.
“Zhilei Zhang will not win a round against Tyson Fury, Andy Ruiz will probably not win a round against Tyson Fury, as he didn’t against Anthony Joshua in the second fight, but he’s got to fight someone.
I don’t mind the Andy Ruiz fight, but I just think Zhang’s too slow, at least Ruiz has got some speed.”
Hearn is heading out to The Middle East next week to try and finalise a deal for Joshua to take on Wilder, if successful all the pressure will be on Fury and Usyk to do the same.