Hughie Fury and his father / trainer have now confirmed the rumours – the rescheduled Michael Hunter fight is off once more.
The cousin of the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World can’t seem to catch a break. Following an impressive fifth-round stoppage over Christian Hammer, Hughie Fury was to face Michael Hunter in July. The bout was postponed until October, and has now been called off again – perhaps for good.
Fury took to social media to explain the situation, citing a debilitating case of Long Covid as the root of the problem.
“I am a professional boxer who needs to fight in order to pay my bills and to live. But I have been out for over a year now and, to my frustration, I have been advised by doctors to take total rest at the moment because I’m suffering symptoms of long covid.
I feel weak with no strength. I’ve had all sorts of checks and they’ve diagnosed me as having long covid symptoms. It is frustrating but there is nothing I can do if my body’s not allowing me to train. I’m going to take time out for the rest of this year and pick up again next year when I’ve rested properly.”
The risk of Covid-19 was always serious for fighters given that it attacks the lungs and can cause breathlessness – something impossible to train with never mind fight 12 rounds. Peter Fury also made a statement about his son’s condition, pointing out that, above all, his health was most important.
“Health is more important than money or trying to keep everyone happy. Hughie will fight as soon as possible next year and the team he has behind him guarantees him a big fight next year.
If Michael Hunter is available and still wants this fight, that will be Hughie’s next fight. If not, Hughie will fight another serious fight.”
The boxing world will be hoping the young heavyweight can improve and finally get the fights he deserves in the division – a glimmer of hope being that he’s still only 28 years old.
As for Michael Hunter, he appears to be sticking with BOXXER and Ben Shalom for the time being to find a replacement opponent. The American tweeted a picture with the promoter this week, and responded to a fan saying that he was targeting a scrap with another British fighter in Daniel Dubois.
He’s out unfortunately. Working on Daniel Dubois.
— Michael Hunter ll (@MichaelHunterII) October 3, 2022