WBO Mandatory Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury will risk his position when he takes on Christian Hammer on February 28 in London according to Dan Rafael of espn.com
“I’ve said all along I’m not like these other fighters in the division who pussyfoot around, take soft touches and call themselves fighters,” Fury said. “I could have taken an easy job at the O2 Arena to keep my position safe for my world title fight against Klitschko, but that’s not what Tyson Fury is about or what the public want to see from someone who has promised from day one to win the world heavyweight title.
“On paper, it’s a dangerous job against Hammer. He’s highly ranked, he brings a big punch with him, he’ll have ambitions of his own to beat me and grab himself a world title shot against Klitschko, and I’m sure he’ll be full of confidence coming over here.”
Said Warren: “Fury will have his hands full with Hammer, who could create a huge shock if he wins. It’s a risky fight for Fury, who’s within touching distance of Klitschko and the world title. But Fury needs to keep active by fighting until Klitschko gets his fight in April out of the way and then comes to the table to negotiate the fight with Fury or the fight goes to purse bids. Fury needs to concentrate on Hammer and leave the talk of Klitschko until after he’s dealt with Hammer.
“Training for Hammer will start in early January and this year is a big one for me and the world title is in my sight,” Fury said. “My focus will be on Hammer now. He’s my priority and the man in the way of my dream. There’s no messing about in the heavyweight division. One punch can turn everything upside down. That goes for him and for me, but I’ve got two things that other fighters lack, a fighting heart and massive balls. I love to fight. If I go down, I get up and win, that’s why people love me and want to see me fight. Tyson Fury will never lose, simple.”
“I’m grateful for this fantastic opportunity to fight Tyson Fury, and I’ll be in the best shape of my life. This is a golden opportunity for me to get the No. 1 position to fight Klitschko for the world title if I can beat Fury,” Hammer said. “I love to fight bigger, taller, men, and [the 6-9, 265-pound] Fury is perfect for me. It will be a hard fight, but I’ve got every confidence that I’ll surprise everyone with a win in his backyard.”
