Fury (right) and Pajkic at today's weigh-in in Manchester

Fury (right) and Pajkic at today's weigh-in in Manchester

It’s the most often repeated mistake in boxing. Fighter’s who are on a roll tend to look past certain fights if they have their eyes on bigger things, and many of them have paid dearly for it. 6’9″ British heavyweight Tyson Fury (16-0, 11KO’s) is already talking about facing the Klitschko’s before he has even fought Canada’s undefeated Neven Pajkic (16-0, 5KO’s) on Saturday in Manchester, and the up’n'coming prospect should be careful not to fall into the same trap. Fortunately for him the only thing impressive about Pajkic is his record.

Although this fight has been hyped up to be a clash of undefeated national champions in truth it is far from an even match and if Fury has big plans in this sport he will need to defeat the likes of Pajkic impressively, and emphatically. In his last but one fight Fury really came of age, taking rival British heavyweight Dereck Chisora’s unbeaten record with a unanimous decision win in London, in a fight which proved a lot of people wrong. It hasn’t gone to Fury’s head though.

“I can see a time coming fast when I’m heavyweight champion of the world,” said Fury. “I’ll be the ultimate name in sport. Forget about (World class soccer players) Ronaldo or Rooney, everyone has to look up to the heavyweight champion – especially when it’s me.


“The British public has grown up to love football, so obviously it gets more attention. Years ago it wasn’t so big and the top men were Henry Cooper or Frank Bruno. There’s a million footballers and there will be a million more, but they cannot compare to the heavyweight champion.”

Fury looked in great shape today at the Trafford Centre

Fury looked in great shape today at the Trafford Centre

Tyson may be getting more than a little carried away but with these words he has a lot to back up, and it doesn’t hurt for a fighter to put pressure on himself sometimes. Nothing less than a win will be good enough against Pajkic, and his performance is almost as important as the result itself.

Going out on national free-to-air TV in the UK, Fury will be expected to impress. Luckily for him he probably will, because Pajkic is far from the fighter he’s being made out to be, and should he win, will tell us more about Fury than about himself. He’ll do well to last the distance with the Mancunian giant however. Fury will then set his sights on bigger and better things, according to him anyway.

“It’s hard for people to want to be like the Klitschkos,” he said. “I know they speak 20 languages, but the English speaking countries are not interested in them. When the Americans dominated everybody knew who the champion was. Everyone will get behind me.

“I’m going to end the Klitschkos’ reign completely. Compared to David Haye – I’ve got seven inches in height on him, three stone in weight and about 14 times bigger heart. I’m a lot tougher and I want it more.”

Eubank Jr. is finally unveiled at the Manchester weigh-in today

Eubank Jr. is finally unveiled at the Manchester weigh-in today

Also on the card is a son and namesake of a former World champion. Chris Eubank Jr. will make his long-awaited professional debut against Lithuanian journeyman Kirilas Psonko (8-15-1, 6KO’s) over six rounds at middleweight. Obviously Eubank at this stage of his career wont be facing any real tests but it will be interesting to finally see the touted prospect in action. Promoter Mick Hennessey has been overflowing with praise for the youngster.

“We are delighted to have signed such a major talent, there was a lot of competition for his signature, not only from other promoters but other broadcasters as well. We believe that Chris Eubank Jnr has the potential to not only become an elite world champion but also transcend boxing and become a major world star on route to the titles.”

“I honesty already believe he is the best middleweight in this country even without have a pro fight.” Added Mick.


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