Filipino boxing fans, among the most avid in the world, are missing out on the greatness of redemption king Tyson Fury. Not their fault as there had been scant coverage here of Fury’s latest epic feat against the terrifying knockout star Deontay Wilder of the United States.
Fury, a British national, settled and trained all-out in the United States en route to stopping Wilder in the seventh round of an amazingly one-sided duel in Las Vegas on Feb. 22.
The sensational victory crowned the 31-year-old Fury the World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, thereby turning the boxing world in full awe.
“Not bad for a bald and fat guy,” Fury tried to clown after the unexpected win.
He did look a lot older than a 31-year-old.
He walked into the fight ring to the tune of the song “Crazy” and celebrated afterward singing “American Pie” to the delight of amused fans.
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Wilder had taunted Fury for allegedly using pillow fists before the clash of unbeaten heavyweight warriors.
The core story here is Fury’s comeback magic.
He practically rose from the dead after taking a thudding shot to the head in the 12th round of his first fight with Wilder in December 2018. He did admit passing out, his eyes shut, but there was no explaining how he miraculously snapped back to chase Wilder in the closing final seconds and earn a split draw.
Still the greater story was how he fought and won a severe bout with depression and substance abuse, before relinquishing three heavyweight belts he had won after a startling win over Russian legend Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. Fury swore he had been on the verge of suicide.
It was crazy.
He was observed licking blood from the neck of the badly battered Wilder in the sixth round of their second and decisive clash, which he won by 7th round technical knockout.
Bob Arum, who handles Fury, said there will be a third Fury-Wilder fight.
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Nobody seemed interested in the awaiting third fight in various boxing corners hereabouts.
Manny Pacquiao voted for a Wilder win in the second fight, so were majority of Filipino streets fans.
The other day, Tatang, a dusky, limping flower vendor around the Mandaluyong City wet market, saluted and said Fury was indeed great—because he happens to be the son of Mike Tyson.
“Anak naman pala ni Mike Tyson, kaya magaling (He’s Mike Tyson’s son, that’s why he’s good),” the boxing savvy Tatang tried to explain.
Bobby Santos, big boss in the wet market meat section, said he vaguely remembered Fury, still unsure if the unpredictable British giant really beat Klitschko in 2015.
On the whole, there was no significant interest about Fury and his monumental comeback story for all seasons after he toppled and dealt the fearsome Wilder, 34, his first defeat in 43 fights.There’s must be a secret behind this incredible feat in the history of world heavyweight boxing.
“All praise be to Jesus Christ,” Fury had been heard crying solemnly several times.
Interestingly, Fury also happens to own that very rare ability of being able to laugh at himself.
“I’m a big fool, or else I’m not gonna be great,” Fury summed it up.