Romanian Christian Hammer might be the only thing standing in the way of Tyson Fury getting a shot at a version of the world heavyweight title this summer. The pair meet on Saturday night (February 28) at London’s O2 Arena and Fury knows victory could land him a fight with either Wladimir Klitschko or Deontay Wilder.
There’s plenty at stake, then. So much so, this weekend’s encounter could end up being the most pivotal fight of Fury’s six-year professional career. Highly-ranked by all governing bodies, he’s so close to a world title shot he can almost touch it.
Hammer, though, is 17-3 and has operated predominantly on the European circuit. Early career defeats to the likes of Mariusz Wach and Taras Bidenko show his level, but he’s improved since then and recent form has been good.
Last time out he defeated Irineu Beato Costa Junior over twelve rounds. He also has a decision win over American Kevin Johnson and an impressive seventh round stoppage of Leif Larsen on his 20-fight resume. He’s held the WBO European heavyweight title and hasn’t lost a fight since 2010.
“I’m here in London nice and early to finish my training and everything has gone perfect in camp,” Hammer said this week.
“Tyson Fury will not go the distance against me. He will be getting knocked out clean and left to pick up the pieces after the fight. He cannot hurt me with his punches because I’m in the best shape of my career. He will not last against me.
“He has been put down before. He can be hit and hurt. He has plenty of heart, but, once I put him down, he will stay down.
“I’ve taken this fight because I know I can get the Klitschko world title fight when I beat him. Klitschko is talking about fighting Fury, but he will be talking my name once I knockout Fury.”
It might not be as straightforward as that, of course – boxing rarely is – but there’s certainly a lot on the line this Saturday night at the O2 Arena. Tyson Fury knows that now is the time to show both Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder exactly what he brings to the table.
“They’re calling this show ‘Risky Business’ because I’m risking my WBO mandatory spot to fight Hammer,” said Fury. “It’s a fight I need to win and a fight I need to look good in to send a message to Klitschko to make that fight happen.
“I can beat Klitschko before he enters the ring. It’s like how Mike Tyson used to beat people. Klitschko’s mind will be boggled before he fights me.
“The other fella, Deontay Wilder, doesn’t need to be boggled at all. I just need to hit him with a right hand and it’s ‘Goodnight Vienna’. My main concern right now, though, is Christian Hammer and how I deliver on the 28th. I want a spectacular performance. I won’t be happy with anything less.”
*** Tyson Fury faces Christian Hammer this Saturday night (February 28), LIVE on BoxNation ***
