GIFT OF THE GAB
ARUM LOVES TYSON’S MAGNETISM
major world titles. Fury, 31, destroyed Deontay Wilder on Saturday in LasVegas to win the WBC crown but the American has 30 days to trigger a rematch clause.
HE HAS proved he can float like a butterfly and sting like a bee – and Tyson Fury has been told he also has Muhammad Ali’s charisma. Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum, 88 worked with Ali more than 50 years ago and says the Gypsy King has a similar engaging personality.
Ali, right, used to rap his fight prediction before rapping was even known and Arum says Fury has the entertainment gene as well. He delighted his fans by being carried to the ring on a gold throne before his win over Deontay Wilder, wearing a robe and crown, to Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’.
He is a real showman and led his fans in singing Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ from the ring after battering Wilder into submission. Arum, who first worked with Ali for his win over George Chuvalo in 1966, said: “Tyson has charisma and personality like Ali had.
“Ali would be great at delivering his one-liners before fights, which everyone loved.
“Tyson is always entertaining in what he says and does. He’s got a great personality. The fans love him.”
Fury, 31, is top of the heavyweight pile after destroying Wilder in seven rounds to become the WBC and Ring Magazine champion.
Arum claims it is difficult to compare him and Ali because they had different physical attributes.
“They were different fighters and it’s not easy to compare,” said the Top Rank chief. “Ali was just over six foot, while Tyson is 6ft 9ins and they fought in different eras.
“Tyson can also box in any number of ways. He came up with a game plan to beat Wilder and he stuck to it.
“Tyson executed it to perfection and knocked Wilder out. You can’t say you didn’t know what he would do because he told us all.” Arum claimed Fury’s fantastic win was one
Hearn said: “Joshua phoned me yesterday, we had a good conversation and the first thing he said is, ‘How do we make this fight happen?’ “I said to him, ‘Look, firstly this hinges on of the most notable heavyweight fights he can remember.
“It was certainly one of my memorable events, particularly in the heavyweight division,” said the American.
“Ali’s various fights with
Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, the great George Foreman knocking out Michael Moorer at 45 and now low and behold, Top Rank has another heavyweight champion.
I feel great.”
Arum claims Fury is the division’s new kingpin and his UK promoter Frank Warren would love a summer showdown with WBA Super, IBF and WBO title holder and fellow Briton Anthony Joshua for the undisputed title. That will go on hold if Wilder triggers the rematch clause for a third clash and Arum claims he is relaxed about Fury’s next fight.
“What happens next is a question for Deontay Wilder,” he said.
“He can opt out of a third fight, get himself together and do it again next year, in which case Tyson Fury will keep himself busy with other opponents.
“If he wants to go ahead, that’s what the contract says and we will honour that.”
Veteran fight promoter Bob Arum, left with Ali and right with Fury, feels both men have the same sparkling personality
Wilder.” Joshua also has the matter of his
IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev, left, with a deal for that clash already agreed in principle.
The Bulgarian is promoted by Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum, so Hearn will plead with the Top Rank chief to get the mandatory challenger to step aside.
Matchroom boss Hearn is confident they can strike a deal with all involved, which includes his rival promoter Frank Warren.
Hearn said: “I promise you this fight will happen.We will do everything it takes.
“When are we ever going to get the chance of two British world heavyweight champions fighting for the undisputed title against each other? We would be clowns, we would be idiots, if we didn’t make this fight.”.”