When ‘I’m Gonna Have a Little Talk with Jesus’ by Randy Travis was used for Tyson Fury’s ring entrance song, as the challenger for the heavyweight championship of the world. The first thought in my head was how odd? The choice in song by Fury is odd in itself, but the fact he was even familiar with it is even odder. He often claims himself to be a travelling man, but to be also versed in Midwest folk singers is hard to believe. Then again. At the time, it was just as hard to fathom-that a hour from that country gospel stroll to the ring, Tyson Fury would also become heavyweight champion of the world.
Past off by everyone, but the members of the team Fury camp. Fury was viewed as either hot air or an unlikely hope-to end the decade long reign of Wladimir Klitschko. Still, Fury led the fans and media to Dusseldorf like the Pied Piper himself. He smashed watermelons with his head, dressed as Batman, all the while boasting one outlandish statement after the next. Undoubtedly entertaining, but widely viewed as just that. Entertainment. The same thing others have tried before against Klitschko and ultimately failed. However, unknown to most, Fury would not carry on the charade much longer.
The resemblance to the brash Tyson Fury was gone 5 seconds after the fight started. The comical character was only found during the national anthems and pre-fight instructions. He paced across the ring shouting at the champion and let his tongue in a licking gesture, but that was it. The image of the crazed Batman focused on a knockout, faded at the opening bell. He rushed a couple steps forward, stopped, and then proceeded to deliver the upset of the year.
Awkward only in size, the 6′ 9″ 250 lb. Fury feinted like a welterweight. His hands down, he switched stances and controlled Klitschko from the outside. Gliding around the ring, he used his reach to out land the champion. He welcomed the strategic clinch, traded 2 for 1 most of the night, and never bit hard enough to get caught. Unbelievable. Against arguably one of the greatest jabs of all time. Tyson Fury ended the night with a clean face.
The performance delivered in Dusseldorf by Tyson Fury was beautifully unexpected. Before the fight vowing to not let it go to the cards, for fear of biased judging. During the fight, Tyson refused the glory shot and out boxed one of the greatest champions of all time in Wladimir Klitschko for 12 complete rounds. And unexpectantly brought the titles back to the United Kingdom, via unanimous decision.
In parting, I would like to give a personal salute to the brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko. Your reign of excellence as heavyweight champions and stewards of the ring is to be forever admired. It was an absolution most mortal men strive for and never acheive. For a living example to look upon, I will forever be grateful. Thank you.
And for those out there that will dismiss the Klitschko reign in ease of opposition or corrupt judging. I have a simple salute for that too, it only requires a raised middle finger on both hands.
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