When it comes to heavyweights, Peter Fury certainly knows a thing or two.
The highly-respected trainer, who masterminded nephew Tyson Fury’s ascent to the WBA Super, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, believes Londoner Dillian Whyte is also destined to win a world crown.
First Whyte has to navigate a tricky test against former WBA champion Alexander Povetkin in a potential banana skin on August 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.
“I think he’s ready,” Fury told Sky Sports. “His mindset is there and I think he will win a world title. I think when he gets his time, Dillian, he’ll do it.
“He’s a good, solid fighter and let’s not forget how much he’s come on as well. He’s improved a lot over the years and he’s dedicated, so I see him doing big things.
“I think he’s ready for a world title and he should lift one, as and when he gets the opportunity. He’s a lot more relaxed. His footwork is a lot better. Before he was a bit clumsy going around the ring, he was very predictable, but now he is not.
“He’s a lot more polished, he’s relaxed and he’s boxing, he’s getting behind his jab. The improvements are endless. He’s made fantastic improvements.”
Should the Brixton man defeat Povetkin, then that world title chance will, in theory, come against current WBC champion Tyson Fury (now trained by SugarHill Steward) with Whyte the sanctioning body’s long-time mandatory contender.
Yet there is an increasing likelihood that Fury will relinquish his WBC crown rather than meet Whyte early in 2021 to face rival WBA Super, WBO and IBF champion Anthony Joshua in a two-fight series instead.
“Dillian Whyte is a good fighter and so is Tyson, so it’s all good,” added Peter Fury. “To prove you are the best, you have got to take all comers on, and that’s what boxing is about. Not to pick and choose.
“I’m sure when the time is right, they will meet each other, won’t they?”