David Price conqueror Tony Thompson has vowed to make easy work of rising British heavyweight, Tyson Fury. The American steps back into the ring this weekend in Istanbul, where he faces off against the skilled Cuban Odlanier Solis.
The heavyweight veteran, who upset the odds by twice beating the highly touted Price, believes he can do the same thing to Fury and has questioned the level of competition the Manchester man has taken on so far. A fight with the 25-year-old Fury also presents an easier task than the one Price posed, he believes, and he has called on Team Fury, who are preparing for Dereck Chisora on July 26th, to make the fight happen.
“He [Fury] is a loudmouth guy, he’s talking his way into big fights and hasn’t done anything. At least David Price’s people had the gumption and balls to put him in with a live heavyweight. Tyson has never been in the ring with anyone like me.
“All of his opponents pose a threat to him simply because he can’t fight. But they haven’t put him in there with anyone who is capable of exposing him, although a few people almost did it. If [Steve] Cunningham was a legitimate heavyweight he would have stopped Fury easily. A couple of other guys would have beat his ass.”
“He’s just been mouthing off about me and I’m the type of guy if you want to talk that trash let’s do it. I’m not running from anybody. If he wants to do it, let’s do it. Tell Peter Fury, or whoever is running the show there.
“I think it would be a good fight for the fans. He’s not that great of a fighter but he’s a huge guy and will pose a challenge to anybody but I will expose him easily. As a matter of fact, I think it’s an easier fight than the David Price fight.”
First though, the 42-year-old, who has twice challenged for the world title by taking on Wladimir Klitschko and losing, has his eyes fixed firmly on Olympic gold medalist Solis, with the winner being pushed into number two in the IBF rankings.
“I’m excited [about this fight]. If Odlanier comes in in good shape I think it will be a good fight for the fans. I’m looking forward to the fight and am excited for the fans and also myself because I can get back in at number two.
“Solis is a legitimate guy and I can’t afford to take my attention of him for a minute. I’m not thinking of anyone except Solis but once that fight is over I want anyone that is going to get me closer to Wladimir, those are fights I want. The fight with Solis makes me number two in the IBF, that’s one fight away from the mandatory shot again.”
‘The Tiger’ is coming off a loss to the undefeated Kubrat Pulev, a fight which he says he took at late notice following his victory over Price. Against Solis he will be up against it again as he goes in with a fighter who has a glittering amateur background and only one defeat on his record, that coming against Vitali Klitschko in 2011.
Solis is settling into Turkey well having arrived early and is determined to put on a show for the fans watching around the world.
“I love Turkey, especially the hospitality of the people here. And I see the long history as an obligation to deliver a great fight. This country and the whole continent have seen big wars. And the next epic battle is coming up this Saturday.
“Tony Thompson doesn’t know what’s coming for him. My only goal is to become heavyweight champion of the world. And I won’t let anybody stop me on my way. I will beat Tony Thompson and go on to become world champion.”
