It takes a lot to surprise people when it comes to matchups in the world of boxing, these days. After a series of controversial pairings over the years, with professional fighters plucked up against novice opponents, fans have come to terms with eclectic fight cards.
Having said that, 22-year-old Tommy Fury’s upcoming bout with Anthony Taylor is a definite head-scratcher. So, why is this fight such a mismatch, and should it really be happening?
The former Love Island contestant will take on Taylor who is ten years his senior but, more importantly, an MMA fighter by trade. The two will go head-to-head in late August on the undercard of Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley and a look at the odds for the evening shows just what a bizarre card it will be.
Right now, YouTuber Paul is 8/13 to win, according to the Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley odds. This, in fairness, promises to be a relatively close affair. In contrast, Fury is at staggering odds of 1/14 to beat Taylor. Perhaps one of the key reasons for the bookmakers’ confidence in Fury is the fact that the Mancunian contender is fully versed in boxing protocol and in fit fighting shape. Meanwhile, Taylor is currently having to increase his weight to 180lbs, which is an extraordinary task when you consider that he’s spent his life competing at 155lbs. Whilst this weight gain can be done, staying competitive in a sport you’re unfamiliar with and at a weight that you’re not used to over the course of six rounds is asking for big trouble.
In addition, Taylor is likely to be in further trouble when you factor in Fury’s reach advantage. Indeed, Fury’s reach is 76 inches whilst Taylor’s, by contrast, is only 66.5 inches. Furthermore, Fury stands at 6 feet whilst Taylor only makes up 5 feet and 7 inches. Strictly speaking, this fight shouldn’t have been sanctioned based on physical discrepancies alone. When the opening bell goes, Taylor will do well to avoid being knocked out in the first round.
Naturally, Taylor does not share this opinion and has been as bullish as ever during the lead-up to his bout with Fury as he vows to do some serious damage come fight night. Interestingly, Taylor has been sparring with Paul and helping the American prepare for his fight with Woodley. Now, given the bad blood between Paul and Fury, this offers another dynamic to the fight that will take place at the end of August in Cleveland.
Both Paul and Taylor have set about trolling Fury in the last few weeks in a bid to no doubt drive up the pay-per-view numbers and create an interest in their bout. It’s an age-old practice when it comes to marketing a fight and you have to hand it to Paul and Taylor for going to the lengths they have.
However, when the first bell goes and Taylor has to walk forward and fight Fury, there won’t be anywhere to hide. Indeed, Taylor won’t be behind the screen of his phone anymore but rather in front of a man that is physically superior in every way and crucially, is still unbeaten in the boxing ring. If the reality of what he has got himself into doesn’t sink in at that stage then it will after Fury lands his first thunderous haymaker.
As previously stated, the bitter truth is that this fight is majorly mismatched and simply shouldn’t be going ahead. It’s quite conceivable to think that Taylor’s corner ends up throwing in the towel shortly after the bout begins. Should they decide not to then you could be forgiven for wondering if Taylor will still be able to use the nickname ‘Pretty Boy’ when he leaves Ohio after sharing a ring with Tommy ‘TNT’ Fury.