Hughie Fury vs. Michael Hunter?

[Enlightened-One]

"Hughie Fury clash 'talked up' by Michael Hunter, says promoter Ben Shalom: 'Definitely a fight we are looking at'"

Ben Shalom on Hughie Fury's 2022 plans: "We expect his next fight to be of real significance."

Michael Hunter "likes the fight" against Hughie Fury but no heavyweight has been "begging for" it, says promoter Ben Shalom.

Fury plans to explode into the world championship picture in 2022 with a landmark victory but luring one of the division's most respected names has not been simple.

"It is difficult for Hughie because he is a heavyweight that everyone wants to avoid," BOXXER promoter Shalom told Sky Sports.

"Hunter has been talking up that fight. He likes the fight. But I don't think it's a fight that anyone is begging for.

"Hunter is desperate for an opportunity in the UK because he feels like he's got a lot of improvement potential.

"Hughie is a tough operator and is a lot younger than Hunter.

"This is definitely a fight we are looking at for Hughie."

Hunter has his own title ambitions but was held to a shock draw by Jerry Forrest.

'The Bounty Hunter' has previously come to the UK to stop Martin Bakole.

Fury, the cousin of the WBC heavyweight champion, impressively halted the rugged Christian Hammer in a demonstration of his newly-improved punch power.

"Chris Arreola and Andy Ruiz Jr are also possible," Shalom said for Fury's next opponent.

"We are looking for the biggest fight possible because we believe Hughie is ready to step up.

"But the difficulty is that nobody wants to fight him.

"He is an awkward fighter, a difficult fight for anyone. And he is a lot younger than the other heavyweights, at least four or five years younger than most of them.

"We expect his next fight to be of real significance.

"We are talking to two of the really big promoters in the US now. We expect to hear exciting news soon about Hughie."

Fury is ranked at No 4 by the WBA and No 13 by the IBF.

Thoughts?

[Enlightened-One]

Filip Hrgovic’s handler, Kalle Sauerland, claimed he’d reached out to all the top-fifteen rated IBF contenders to engage in a final eliminator, but they all declined the fight.

However, Peter Fury claimed nobody tried to make a fight between Filip Hrgovic and Hughie Fury. And Kalle Sauerland has never attempted to dispute that claim.

Something tells me that Wasserman regard Fury as a massive risk, but extraordinarily low-reward, which is something I’ve always believed too.

And for that reason, I reckon Hughie Fury beats Michael Hunter by decision.

Some people might believe otherwise, using their 2019 bouts against Alexander Povetkin as benchmarks, but the feather-fisted Hughie Fury is a much bigger and more aggressive man than he was back then.

And the Brit is still only 27 years of age and is definitely improving, with Hunter approaching his mid-thirties appearing to be declining.

I genuinely believe that an assertive version of Hughie Fury beats Michael Hunter, especially considering the American’s lacklustre performance during his most recent outing against Jerry Forrest.

[tiny_acres]

This would be a fight I have no interest in seeing. Neither fighter excites me

[KiwiRider]

After his recent performances, I see Hunter as a bit off his game.
He hasn't lost, but he hasn't, to my eyes, improved since his draw with Povetkin.
And the draw with Jerry Forest was unexpected.
I'd go with Hughie in this one.
Maybe Hunter can show something we haven't seen for a while.

[Lackeos]

Fury plans to explode into the world championship picture in 2022 with a landmark victory

Yeah, that's what he keeps trying to do -- explode in ranking by beating someone ranked way higher than him like Parker, Pulev, and Povetkin. Only problem is, he keeps losing. He'd be better off just beating opponents who are worse than him and steadily moving up, which is what he did in his last two fights (Wach, Hammer), to good success. He should try fighting someone like Kabayel, Helenius, Bakole, Huck, Kuzmin, or Konacki next.

[margaret thatcher]

hughie's just a pup, gonna be a force when he grows up

if he's this good in his late 20s, imagine how good he'll be with extra training and experience when he's in his late 40s. in pure mathematical terms, he'll be at least double the fighter

[lazboy]

hughie's just a pup, gonna be a force when he grows up

if he's this good in his late 20s, imagine how good he'll be with extra training and experience when he's in his late 40s. in pure mathematical terms, he'll be at least double the fighter

Lmao!!

[maverick23]

The fact that Shalom is also talking about Andy Ruiz being possible for this fight makes me question the rest of what he says.

Hughie/Hunter is a fairly even fight but one that could be very ugly. I’d pick Fury though - mainly because of Hunter’s last fight.

[DrDuke]

The poll has 2 options of Fury - Decision.

[Enlightened-One]

The fact that Shalom is also talking about Andy Ruiz being possible for this fight makes me question the rest of what he says.

To be fair, Andy Ruiz Jr. withdrew from a final eliminator against Hughie Fury only a month prior to their scheduled fight-date.

And this was back in 2016.

Andy's former promoter, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, admitted his fighter (Ruiz Jr.) simply walked away from the bout without even being injured.

[maverick23]

The fact that Shalom is also talking about Andy Ruiz being possible for this fight makes me question the rest of what he says.

To be fair, Andy Ruiz Jr. withdrew from a final eliminator against Hughie Fury only a month prior to their scheduled fight-date.

And this was back in 2016.

Andy's former promoter, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, admitted his fighter (Ruiz Jr.) simply walked away from the bout without even being injured.

Not sure what that’s got to do with it now though. Ruiz is a much bigger name now commercially.

I really can’t see Ruiz fighting Hughie in his next fight. Hughie’s not a big name in the U.K. for it to be a PPV over here and I can’t see PBC doing it in the states either - particularly with Peter Fury not being able to travel over for it.

[KiwiRider]

The poll has 2 options of Fury - Decision.

Teeheehee

[Enlightened-One]

The fact that Shalom is also talking about Andy Ruiz being possible for this fight makes me question the rest of what he says.

To be fair, Andy Ruiz Jr. withdrew from a final eliminator against Hughie Fury only a month prior to their scheduled fight-date.

And this was back in 2016.

Andy's former promoter, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, admitted his fighter (Ruiz Jr.) simply walked away from the bout without even being injured.

Not sure what that’s got to do with it now though. Ruiz is a much bigger name now commercially.

I really can’t see Ruiz fighting Hughie in his next fight. Hughie’s not a big name in the U.K. for it to be a PPV over here and I can’t see PBC doing it in the states either - particularly with Peter Fury not being able to travel over for it.

You could be right, but the belts are tied up for the foreseeable future (i.e. Fury-Whyte, Joshua-Usyk II, Fury vs. winner of Joshua-Usyk II etc.) and world-rated heavyweight contenders need to remain active somehow.

They need to fight someone. And they can either earn small paydays against journeyman/has-been's or mediocre purses to fight Hughie.

Hughie Fury is now (quite sadly) one of Sky Sports' biggest stars, which means he has a wealthy network that's renowned for PPV's behind him. Fury is also very highly-rated by the WBA. So he definitely brings "something" appealing to the negotiating table.

A lot of people might argue that Hughie is an unpopular fighter, but he’s already faced Povetkin, Parker and Pulev, as well as being ducked by Ruiz Jr.

So he can’t be that unpopular, can he, when you consider the type of opponents Filip Hrgovic is facing?

Look at the British fighters aligned with Adam Smith?

[maverick23]

To be fair, Andy Ruiz Jr. withdrew from a final eliminator against Hughie Fury only a month prior to their scheduled fight-date.

And this was back in 2016.

Andy's former promoter, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, admitted his fighter (Ruiz Jr.) simply walked away from the bout without even being injured.

Not sure what that’s got to do with it now though. Ruiz is a much bigger name now commercially.

I really can’t see Ruiz fighting Hughie in his next fight. Hughie’s not a big name in the U.K. for it to be a PPV over here and I can’t see PBC doing it in the states either - particularly with Peter Fury not being able to travel over for it.

You could be right, but the belts are tied up for the foreseeable future (i.e. Fury-Whyte, Joshua-Usyk II, Fury vs. winner of Joshua-Usyk II etc.) and world-rated heavyweight contenders need to remain active.

Hughie Fury is now (quite sadly) one of Sky Sports' biggest stars, which means he has a wealthy network that's renowned for PPV's behind him. Fury is also very highly-rated by the WBA. So he definitely brings "something" appealing to the negotiating table.

A lot of people might argue that Hughie is an unpopular fighter, but he’s already faced Povetkin, Parker and Pulev, as well as being ducked by Ruiz Jr.

So he can’t be that unpopular, can he, when you consider the type of opponents Filip Hrgovic is facing?

Look at the British fighters aligned with Adam Smith?

Hughie doesn’t sell any tickets in the U.K. A fight with Ruiz would sell tickets more because of Ruiz’s name than Hughie’s.

Hughie’s had some big fights but they’ve mostly been on undercards of much bigger fights - namely AJ’s - or where he’s headlined (like against Parker) it performed extremely poorly.

I’m aware of the fighters Sky have on contract. Again that doesn’t mean much re: Ruiz. Ruiz is likely seen as a PPV fighter by PBC so will need/expect at least a couple of million dollars to come to the U.K. Only way that happens is on PPV and considering Hughie’s current lack of profile in the U.K./charisma that isn’t happening.

[Enlightened-One]

Not sure what that’s got to do with it now though. Ruiz is a much bigger name now commercially.

I really can’t see Ruiz fighting Hughie in his next fight. Hughie’s not a big name in the U.K. for it to be a PPV over here and I can’t see PBC doing it in the states either - particularly with Peter Fury not being able to travel over for it.

You could be right, but the belts are tied up for the foreseeable future (i.e. Fury-Whyte, Joshua-Usyk II, Fury vs. winner of Joshua-Usyk II etc.) and world-rated heavyweight contenders need to remain active.

Hughie Fury is now (quite sadly) one of Sky Sports' biggest stars, which means he has a wealthy network that's renowned for PPV's behind him. Fury is also very highly-rated by the WBA. So he definitely brings "something" appealing to the negotiating table.

A lot of people might argue that Hughie is an unpopular fighter, but he’s already faced Povetkin, Parker and Pulev, as well as being ducked by Ruiz Jr.

So he can’t be that unpopular, can he, when you consider the type of opponents Filip Hrgovic is facing?

Look at the British fighters aligned with Adam Smith?

Hughie doesn’t sell any tickets in the U.K. A fight with Ruiz would sell tickets more because of Ruiz’s name than Hughie’s.

Hughie’s had some big fights but they’ve mostly been on undercards of much bigger fights - namely AJ’s - or where he’s headlined (like against Parker) it performed extremely poorly.

I’m aware of the fighters Sky have on contract. Again that doesn’t mean much re: Ruiz. Ruiz is likely seen as a PPV fighter by PBC so will need/expect at least a couple of million dollars to come to the U.K. Only way that happens is on PPV and considering Hughie’s current lack of profile in the U.K./charisma that isn’t happening.

Like I said before, you're probably right.

But I think that Sky Sports are trying to show the very best fights available for British fighters not aligned with their rivals (i.e. Queensberry or Matchroom), which means I suspect they're willing to fund surprisingly big fights for traditionally unpopular British names.

I could be wrong, but when Sky Sports claims something is going to happen (based on their track-record), it usually does.

And I do think we could end up seeing Hughie facing Michael Hunter or Chris Arreola soon. And if Fury beats Arreola more impressively than Ruiz Jr. did, then this will open doors for him.

[maverick23]

You could be right, but the belts are tied up for the foreseeable future (i.e. Fury-Whyte, Joshua-Usyk II, Fury vs. winner of Joshua-Usyk II etc.) and world-rated heavyweight contenders need to remain active.

Hughie Fury is now (quite sadly) one of Sky Sports' biggest stars, which means he has a wealthy network that's renowned for PPV's behind him. Fury is also very highly-rated by the WBA. So he definitely brings "something" appealing to the negotiating table.

A lot of people might argue that Hughie is an unpopular fighter, but he’s already faced Povetkin, Parker and Pulev, as well as being ducked by Ruiz Jr.

So he can’t be that unpopular, can he, when you consider the type of opponents Filip Hrgovic is facing?

Look at the British fighters aligned with Adam Smith?

Hughie doesn’t sell any tickets in the U.K. A fight with Ruiz would sell tickets more because of Ruiz’s name than Hughie’s.

Hughie’s had some big fights but they’ve mostly been on undercards of much bigger fights - namely AJ’s - or where he’s headlined (like against Parker) it performed extremely poorly.

I’m aware of the fighters Sky have on contract. Again that doesn’t mean much re: Ruiz. Ruiz is likely seen as a PPV fighter by PBC so will need/expect at least a couple of million dollars to come to the U.K. Only way that happens is on PPV and considering Hughie’s current lack of profile in the U.K./charisma that isn’t happening.

Like I said before, you're probably right.

But I think that Sky Sports are trying to show the very best fights available for British fighters not aligned with their rivals (i.e. Queensberry or Matchroom), which means I suspect they're willing to fund surprisingly big fights for traditionally unpopular British names.

I could be wrong, but when Sky Sports claims something is going to happen (based on their track-record), it usually does.

And I do think we could end up seeing Hughie facing Michael Hunter or Chris Arreola soon. And if Fury beats Arreola more impressively than Ruiz Jr. did, then this will open doors for him.

Sky are doing what they can to remain competitive and their line up for 2022 looks strong so far but they don’t have recent history of spending a lot of money on a fight (several million) without it being on PPV and Hughie is a way off headlining a PPV.

I agree that when Sky usually claim something it happens. This is Ben Shalom though and not Sky who’s seemingly got a track record of embellishing his business history. I also think when a promoter mentions several names then it’s usually the worst one or cheapest one on the list that gets the fight so I’ll expect the Hunter talk to be serious.

[Enlightened-One]

This is Ben Shalom though and not Sky who’s seemingly got a track record of embellishing his business history.

I didn’t know about that.

Do you have any examples, because Shalom is only 27 years of age and doesn’t do social media?

He’s also Sky Sports’ official main “promoter” (the "new" Eddie Hearn) and when they publish his interview transcripts on their own official website, it implies he’s speaking on their behalf.

So yes, whilst I agree, we probably won’t imminently see Hughie facing Ruiz Jr., I’m intrigued to know about Shalom's track-record for embellishing things, simply because I'm not aware of it and I don't know much about the guy.

[margaret thatcher]

someone else may have the the link, but on another forum there was a huge thread with tons of examples and detailed evidence of him basically being a total bullsh!t artist

[maverick23]

This is Ben Shalom though and not Sky who’s seemingly got a track record of embellishing his business history.

I didn’t know about that.

Do you have any examples, because Shalom is only 27 years of age and doesn’t do social media?

He’s also Sky Sports’ official main “promoter” (the "new" Eddie Hearn) and when they publish his interview transcripts on their own official website, it implies he’s speaking on their behalf.

So yes, whilst I agree, we probably won’t imminently see Hughie facing Ruiz Jr., I’m intrigued to know about Shalom's track-record for embellishing things, simply because I'm not aware of it and I don't know much about the guy.

There was a thread on Off The Hook about it as Maggie said. Looks like it’s been taken down though now. Someone essentially investigated his claims of business prowess. Fortunately in the U.K. everything can be checked on companies house and the bulk of it appeared to either be false or done off the books.

It’s early days with him so I’m fine to cut some slack. I just don’t believe that he’s really looking at Andy Ruiz as Hughie’s next opponent.

[Enlightened-One]

This is Ben Shalom though and not Sky who’s seemingly got a track record of embellishing his business history.

I didn’t know about that.

Do you have any examples, because Shalom is only 27 years of age and doesn’t do social media?

He’s also Sky Sports’ official main “promoter” (the "new" Eddie Hearn) and when they publish his interview transcripts on their own official website, it implies he’s speaking on their behalf.

So yes, whilst I agree, we probably won’t imminently see Hughie facing Ruiz Jr., I’m intrigued to know about Shalom's track-record for embellishing things, simply because I'm not aware of it and I don't know much about the guy.

There was a thread on Off The Hook about it as Maggie said. Looks like it’s been taken down though now. Someone essentially investigated his claims of business prowess. Fortunately in the U.K. everything can be checked on companies house and the bulk of it appeared to either be false or done off the books.

It’s early days with him so I’m fine to cut some slack. I just don’t believe that he’s really looking at Andy Ruiz as Hughie’s next opponent.

[morm]

Both are sh..

[Ricky]

Both are sh..

No they aren't. Neither is going to win a world title imo but that doesn't make them shit.

Not a great match up though, seem high-risk & low reward for them both.

[DrDuke]

Both are sh..

Well, Hunter was pretty good, but after the Povetkin bout he declined.

It's tough to pick a winner now. If Hunter is like against Forrest, Hughie will win by boring dec. The best version of Mike gotta handle Fury.

[ironbeard]

I’d watch it.

Hunter has only lost to Usyk. At the top of his game I would take him over Hughie. But, the American looks to have lost interest in his profession.

[KiwiRider]

I’d watch it.

Hunter has only lost to Usyk. At the top of his game I would take him over Hughie. But, the American looks to have lost interest in his profession.

I keep expecting Hunter to produce.
I'm optimistic he can. The Forest fight lowered my expectations somewhat.
He is 33, so it can't be age, so like you say, it could be motivation. And yet he hasn't really been out of shape either, so he must be doing something in the gym.