Tyson is eyeing world title

The Sun - Colin Hart27th February, 2009

THERE must be millions of men who secretly fantasise about spending a romantic evening with one of the Page 3 girls.

Boxing promoters and managers are as red-blooded as the next guy. But what makes their imaginations run riot is the thought of finding a raw, young giant and moulding him into the heavyweight champion of the world.

But they probably have far more chance of dating a Page 3 beauty than finding a fistic El Dorado.

The facts are stacked against them. Since Bob Fitzsimmons won the title 112 years ago, Lennox Lewis is the only other British fighter who has been the undisputed champion.

Though we mustn't forget Frank Bruno, Henry Akinwande, Herbie Hide and Michael Bentt did hold various versions of the crown.

Dozens of wannabes with the required physical credentials have been touted as the genuine article.

Unfortunately, all but five failed - the majority ending up helpless and horizontal along with their disillusioned publicists.

Now, it's the turn of promoter, Mick Hennessy who is all misty-eyed over Tyson Fury, a 20-year-old kid.

With a name like that, you would certainly expect him to be more at home in a boxing gym than a ballet school.

The huge Cheshire lad certainly looks the part. Last year's ABA champion, who scored 26 KOs in his 30 amateur victories, stands a fraction under 6ft 9in and weighs more than 18 stone.

And he has won his first two pro fights in a total of less than four rounds.

Mick told me: "It's hard not to get excited about Tyson. He has the looks, the charisma, the size, the ability and the physical and mental toughness required to go all the way.

"He is already breathing new life into the heavyweight division and he seems to be transcending boxing already.

"Obviously, it's early days, but I believe British boxing has unearthed a new star in Tyson and it's only a matter of time before the name Tyson will once again be the talk of the boxing world."

Hennessy is understandably exhilarated, but he's putting unnecessary pressure on someone who, after all, is still very much a novice.

There's no doubt Fury is an interesting prospect. He comes from a travelling family and I saw his father, Gypsy John Fury, lose to Akinwande in a British title eliminator 18 years ago.

John christened his son Tyson when he was born prematurely weighing just 1½lbs. Thankfully, it wasn't long before Fury Jr had a bit of a growth spurt and, at 14, was already 6ft 2in.

Tyson is in action against Norwegian-based Russian, Daniel Peret, at the Norwich Showground tomorrow and will once again be featured on ITV4.

We've seen new heavyweight hopes come and go so many times, but it's going to be fascinating to watch his progress. Hennessy will be providing the sound.

Let's hope Tyson can find the fury.