Looking at some of the challengers for Fury’s titles

If you asked someone a couple of years ago who would be holding the majority of the heavyweight world titles in 2016, you might of had a few different answers. Some may have told you the former undisputed champion Wladimir Klitschko would still be reining supreme. Others may have mentioned names like the heavy handed American, Deontay Wilder or even Alexander Povetkin and Kubrat Pulev (who have both challenged and subsequently lost to Klitschko since).

A name you may not of heard being thrown around was Tyson Fury. Certainly not that he would be holding all of the titles that Wladimir was holding. This however, came to pass on that quite unbelievable night in Dusseldorf. Fury backed up lot of pre fight talk and ended up out-boxing his older opponent, with more ease than many expected.

The self styled “Gypsy King” Fury, has since been stripped of the IBF strap due to not fulfilling mandatory obligations, instead opting to go along with an instant rematch clause that Klitschko activated. While the final details of the rematch are being ironed out, we look ahead to who can challenge Fury for his remaining belts, should he manage to see off his Ukrainian foe for a second time in a row.

The Cuban based American is making quite a statement and living up to the nickname, with some highlight reel knockout wins in his recent fights. One of his better results coming against former Klitschko challenger Bryant Jennings, whom he comprehensively battered to a late stoppage after several knockdowns. He fights in typical Cuban style, with sound technique bolstered by solid punch power and a lot of aggression. Ortiz next fights on 5th March against veteran Tony Thompson, for the interim WBA world title. A win against the awkward fellow southpaw would tick some boxes with Ortiz’s progression, it would also give him a bargaining chip to land fights with some of the other champions like Fury.

Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder 

This is probably the fight that excites most fans. Both fighters hold meaningful belts with Wilder in possession of the coveted WBC world title and Fury still currently holding the WBO and WBA titles. It does represent an exciting matchup, especially with Fury’s entrance into the ring to confront Wilder, after the American had flattened Arthur Spzilka in a recent title defence. This potential match-up will have to wait though, with Wilder contracted to defend against Alexander Povetkin in the next few months.

This fight had at first seemed like it wouldn’t be for a good year or so yet, with Joshua still perceived to be on a steady learning curve in the professional ranks. However after the somewhat surprising news that ‘AJ’ will challenge newly crowned IBF Champion Charles Martin in April, it has become a little more likely. Surely with the possibility of Joshua and Fury both potentially holding titles later in the year, what is already a mouth watering clash becomes even more lucrative.

Any of these names would be great fights for Fury to have. Wilder is probably the most likely, with both heavyweights calling the other out numerous times of late. However, each of the choices above would present a slightly different challenge and providing Fury comes through his rematch with former champion Klitschko, we can look forward to one of these, if not more coming to fruition.

– Sam Curtis / @Lil_Ceaser24