He did it! Tyson Fury won the biggest fight of his career on Saturday night by beating then champion Wladimir Klitschko via unanimous decision.
Fury now takes the WBF, IBF and WBO titles back to England and can now say he is a British boxing great, but that does leave a certain sour taste in the mouth, does it not?
The "Gypsy King" is not one your more subtle types. He is show man, a joker, a talker-upper of the highest order. Whether it's parading around sports events promoting yourself, dressing up as Batman fighting The Joker or running to be an MP for Morecambe, Fury is always trying to get the spotlight he believes he deserves.
This comes at a price, however. Fury's self confidence has been seen by many as over the top arrogance and many have criticised this aspect of his personality.
Throughout the decades Britain has fell in love with its boxers for their passion, respectful approach and sense of humour. Frank Bruno has the iconic deep voice that could send even the toughest of opponents to quiver in presence, while having the skills to back up the personality. Lennox Lewis has the steely charm together with the respect and dominant displays which won him the hearts of the nation. Ricky Hatton (or Fatton, as his beloved fan base has nicknamed him) has the humour matched with the working class background and has cemented his place in national folklore. Will Fury ever be thought of in the public eye as one of the greats alongside the aforementioned as well as others?
Putting personalities and build-up strategies aside, there is no doubt that he deserves to be the champion he is right now due the fact his dominating display against Klitschko simply blew the world away.
It was a fight none expected. Klitschko wasn't his usual self in the ring and seemed almost scared to throw any real punches at Fury, it almost seemed like the Ukrainian was waiting to get hit rather than hit his opponent himself. This played right into Tyson's hands as the undefeated Mancunian was able to go on the offensive almost the entire twelve rounds.
It hardly seemed like Fury had to step into second gear and this provided him with yet more confidence as with every end of round bell came a sort of primal shout in Klitschko's direction. Even at the end of the fight Fury leant over the ropes to the outside giving the ring pundits his opinion.
The majority of the Düsseldorf crowd were supporting Klitschko, as with the few shots he managed to land were greeted with cheers far louder and passionate than anything Fury was able to dish out. The latter did have the crowd laughing with him at times though when his show boating was meet claps and chuckles. Prince Naseem anyone?
Overall though the general consensus doesn't seem to be one of pride with British fans. No one can now deny fury can walk the walk as well as talk the talk, but it's come at price. Has the nation ever been so underwhelmed and lacking in admiration as it seems to with its latest champion?
Perhaps Fury will need to look at what he can change to become a true poster boy for British boxing, or maybe he simply doesn't care.
Facts are facts though, and he is the new world champion. Whether he gets and open top bus parade however remains to be seen.
Source: DSG
