CHASING THE CROWN
But Hughie is aiming to make some noise against Sexton, writes
Hughie Fury has his sights set on Sam Sexton’s British heavyweight belt
THE name Fury has been all over the news recently, what with the impending return to the ring of the inimitable former world heavyweight king Tyson Fury. Unlike his larger-thanlife cousin, Hughie Fury prefers to conduct himself in a more composed and understated manner, which is one of the reasons why he does not hit the headlines as often as Tyson.
This Saturday (May 12) at the Bolton Whites Hotel, Hughie gets the chance to shine on a lofty platform when he stars on a Hennessy Sports show live on terrestrial TV in the UK. Channel 5 broadcast his British heavyweight title tilt against Norwich’s defending champion Sam Sexton, 24-3 (9).
Of course, Fury, 20-1 (10), has fought on an even grander stage in the recent past. Eight months ago, the Manchester giant challenged for the WBO crown versus then-titlist Joseph Parker. In a close and difficult-to-score contest, Hughie was pipped to a majority decision.
Despite looking forward to his upcoming shot at the Lonsdale Belt, the Parker result still rankles with the 23-year-old: “I’m very excited to be back and facing Sexton for the British title, but believe me, I’m on a mission to claim back what should have been rightfully mine – the world title. I am the uncrowned world champion and come May 12 you will see why that is.”
Although it ultimately ended in bitter disappointment, Fury believes that his encounter with Parker will hold him in good stead in future fights, and could even prove the difference against Sexton this weekend. “Sexton has fought some of the big names around the domestic scene, but he’s never challenged for a world title or been in against world-class opposition,” Fury commented. “I think me now having that world-level experience and knowledge will be key.” While competing for a British strap does not hold the same lustre as fighting for world honours, Fury feels that becoming the champion of his country will act as a springboard back into world title contention. “It’s like taking two steps back to take three steps forward,” Fury mused. “I want to get the British title behind me and get back to the top. Sexton is just a stepping
stone. It’s one step at a time – get him out of the way and move forward. The British title is nice to have, but I’ve not become a professional boxer to be a British-level fighter. If I got offered a world title fight now I’d take it because I believe I’ve learned from my mistakes.”
Just as Fury views Sexton as “a stepping stone”, the 33-year-old champ similarly regards his younger rival as a route to bigger things – namely a first-ever world title crack.
“A world title chance is every boxer’s dream,” Sexton said. “It’s at the top of my agenda and what’s motivating me to beat Fury. I’ve been in this business for a long time and I know that this is now the moment for me. I need that win over Fury more than anything and then I’m in a strong position to press my case [at world level].
“I’ll be disappointed if I go my whole career without challenging for a world title, so I have to keep winning and, crucially, retain my title against Fury. Both our futures hinge on this fight and with so much on the line only one of us will go through. I’ve got to make sure that person is me. I believe I have the experience and ability to win. I won’t be at all fazed going into Hughie’s homeland [of the North West]. I’ve proved that in the past with victories [on away turf] in Belfast – twice – and Edinburgh.”
The wins to which Sexton refers came in 2009 (Belfast) and seven months ago (Edinburgh). Northern Irish slugger Martin Rogan was beaten inside schedule twice (rsf 8 & rtd 6) in Commonwealth title bouts, while towering Scot Gary Cornish was unanimously outpointed in a competitive clash for the vacant British belt. Furthermore, Sexton also conquered the strapping Chris Burton (rsf 3) to claim the Prizefighter trophy on the North East man’s home patch in September 2008.
It has not been all plain sailing for Sexton on the road, however. In June 2008, stocky Londoner Dereck Chisora stopped him in six in the capital, before repeating the trick in nine rounds in Birmingham just over two years later. A trip to Liverpool in May 2012 also proved unfruitful for Sexton [inset], as he was KO’D in four by hulking Scouser David Price. The thickset 6ft 2in Sexton may be four inches shorter than Fury, but he generally outweighs the tall Traveller. Neither are considered particularly big-hitting heavyweights, although Fury holds the advantage in terms of knockout ratio (48 per cent compared to 33 per cent). A relaxed and graceful mover, the challenger’s style is elusive and awkward, while his chin is soild. Unsurprisingly for someone with such long levers, Fury likes to keep things at range, where he can pump out jabs followed by right crosses. Like his opponent, Sexton works the body well and enjoys success on the counter. The champion is comfortable boxing or scrapping, but is likely to find it difficult to get past Fury’s imposing lead hand. With this in mind, the pick is for Fury to outbox Sexton from distance en route to a clear points victory.
THE VERDICT A first major title as a pro is just what Fury needs at this stage.