Tommy Fury has enjoyed unforeseen success in 2023, skyrocketing to superstardom with wins over both Jake Paul and KSI in ‘crossover’ fights.
Now that he has defeated the two stars of that scene, the 24-year-old has revealed whether he will stick around in the space or return to traditional boxing in pursuit of a world title.
Fury put an end to Paul’s undefeated record with a split-decision win back in April in Saudi Arabia, before taking on popular British YouTuber KSI in Manchester last month.
Once again, Fury was victorious in what was ultimately an underwhelming fight but a win nonetheless.
After two lucrative pay-per-view contests against the social media stars, Fury told the Daily Mail that the allure of the crossover scene makes it difficult to return to ‘conventional boxing’, despite a tongue-in-cheek offer to fight the IBF world champion, Jai Opetaia.
“I don’t recall this happening before, where champions are wanting to fight people that are right at the bottom of the pecking order. I’m just happy to be in this position, obviously we all know why he would take that fight [money] but I am going to make the most off of the crossover scene while it is here.”
“Let’s not beat around the bush, it’s a lot better financially than conventional boxing, the money that these fights are generating, conventional boxers will never see in their careers. I’m sure Jai Opetaia can box and win all the belts, but it wouldn’t accumulate to a fraction of what these crossover fights can generate.
So, I’m definitely going to make the most of it whilst it is here, but at the end of the day the plan will always be to challenge for that top strap [title]. I wouldn’t feel right in myself, leaving the sport, if I had not challenged or even tried to win the world title and I do believe that I will win one because I have seen far worse people win one.”
“I’m going to make the most off of the crossover scene and when all that is said and done, I will challenge the top boys and we will see how we go.”
The decision goes against Fury’s previous plans to ‘put an end’ to influencer boxing, but at such a young age, it is hard to argue against the idea of making the most of crossover clashes whilst the interest is still there.
In terms of who is next for Fury, Paul and KSI have both sought rematches. Paul returns to action on December 15 against Andre August.