Jimmy’s a champ
Harm wrestle doesn’t worry chilled-out Fury
TYSON FURY has dismissed fears his wrestling debut could wreck his big-money rematch with Deontay Wilder next year.
The former world heavyweight champion will earn £12m tonight when takes on 6ft 8in man mountain Braun Strowman in the “Crown Jewel” WWE event in Saudi Arabia.
His boxing promoter Frank Warren admits he is scared Fury will pick up an injury despite it being staged.
And there is still concern that the cut Fury suffered in his September win over Otto Wallin – which needed more than 40 stitches – could be re-opened with a stray blow.
The British heavyweight star is still banned from sparring as he waits for the wound to heal.
But Fury said: “I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, there’s no point worrying about anything.
“I wanted to do this because I had some time to chill out between now and the Wilder fight.
“The cut could open but I could walk into the door and open it up, anything could happen. That’s the sort of risk element you face in day-to-day life.”
Unbeaten heavyweight Fury, 31, was (inset) approached by WWE last month about a starring role in the organisation, possibly when he retired from boxing.
But the Gypsy King told the company he wanted to get involved now as he rested between fights.
He was offered a cameo appearance and a possible refereeing job for one of their events but instead insisted on getting his hands on an opponent.
Fury said this week he is “dad of the century” as his eldest son Prince is a huge wrestling fan.
It was the Saudi royalty who insisted the WWE bring Fury to their event tonight once they heard he was involved. Now he will step into a different ring before his February 22 rematch with Wilder, should the American defend his WBC heavyweight title against Luis Ortiz next month.
Fury added: “The future is bright. We’ve got to see what happens.
“Wrestling has offered me an opportunity and I’ve taken it with both hands.
“A lot of people have been saying I’ve got no ambition in boxing. But why should I have ambition to do something I’ve already done 1,000 times?
“I’ve been champion, I’m still lineal champion, so I think, ‘What more can I achieve?’”
■ SNOOKER JIMMY WHITE could qualify for the Champion of Champions.
The 16-player tournament takes place at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena from Monday.
But the final spot may not be allocated until late Sunday night when the World Open in China concludes.
The 57-year-old White will sneak in as World Seniors champion unless someone not already qualified wins in Yushan.