had been booked to fly over and spar with Tyson for a week or so. Within a couple of sessions he coined the nickname "man!" from the Fury's - each time he was hit by Tyson he would turn around and shout "MAN!". Three days later he refused to come out of his hotel room, flying home shortly after with a perforated eardrum, many bruises, and much dented pride. Before you start chuckling or passing opinion, here are Peter's thoughts - "I believe that sparring should be done with both boxers using as close to full power as possible. If you don't practice your shots using full power then it throws all your timing off for when you finally get in the ring. After all, you're preparing for a war. The MMA/K1/K2 fighters here are all big men with big punches and they don't mind getting hit either. They are no mugs because each one of them are at european or world standard. They are reliable and they don't cry off."
This particular afternoon, there was only outside sparring for Phil, in the shape of Albert Kraus, the multi world champion K1 fighter. It's no picnic. Albert is a hugely talented fighter with a wicked right hand. If there is a tougher light middleweight than Phil Fury then I'd like to meet him, Phil is a creative, hard, forward fighter and now he is training with Peter he has seen a turnaround in his form. Phil loves a scrap and has a granite chin. His upcoming fight for the Irish title will be a good indicator of his form but personally, I'm expecting a victory from him.
Interestingly, Tyson's main sparring partner is his 18yr old cousin Hughie...who just happens to be the new World Junior Heavyweight Champion.
. He's no "junior" either. Hughie is 6ft 6inches tall, just shy of 100kg and, in addition, he's a talent that the pro ranks will reel from when he turns pro. So, after a session each on the pads, Tyson and Hughie spar a good 8 rounds and work hard. It's an awesome experience watching Tyson and Hughie spar. Both men are over 6ft 6, and Tyson in particular is probably the most mobile heavyweight out there on the world scene right now. For me, his movement is a light year away from the Tyson Fury of pre 2012. He is lightening fast around the ring and his punch speed is more middleweight than heavyweight. He is a heavyweight boxer who will retire many of his peers and people forget that he is a man who won his first 17 fights without really training. Today, Tyson Fury is a totally different fighter. Hughie is a special talent and with the right nurturing from Peter (his father) he will make waves in the division for years to come. Nobody wins the World Junior Title for nothing, especially in an ex-Soviet block country when you're fighting the local boy. Hughie has a devastating right hand and should he turn pro any time soon, hint, he'll be swift to climb the ratings. His cousin - "Little" Hughie (Who is Tyson's brother) is only 16 but he's already at 16 stones and boxes with venom and power. He's one to watch too
That evening, as usual, it's the 6 mile run, and this evening it's -9c. Nobody moans.
There is a great vibe in the camp. It's a family affair for sure. Wives and children are all present, on and off, and lend an atmosphere of caring. In Tyson's case I think this is important. His much documented battles with his demons seem far behind him and I think the fact he's training now with his uncle as his main trainer, and with the benefit of his family around him, it has proven to be a perfect combination.
CAMP FURY