Veteran Albanian cruiserweight Sefer Seferi, who was born in Macedonia, has revealed plans to fight Tyson Fury on June 9 in Manchester. With only one heavyweight fight behind him, Seferi, 39, says he is close to being confirmed as Fury's opponent for a first fight in over two years. Seferi is already training for the fight and has stated what an honor it will be to share a ring with the former unified heavyweight king. "I never thought I'd have the chance to stand against Fury - my idol, once," Seferi told 20min.ch "Fury is a boxing legend of the 21st century. He is tall, has weight and strength, moves to it quite easily, and he has dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. Fury is a bear," he added. Losing to current WBA 'Regular' heavyweight title holder Manuel Charr in his solitary move up to the top division in 2016, Seferi believes the experience will stand him in good stead for Fury. "The fact that I defied him until the very end speaks for my ability as a boxer and probably why I'm on the shortlist (for Fury)," said Seferi, who is 24-1 through his career. "I will go to Hamburg to train and then it's time for the conditioning in the Austrian mountains and then back to Hamburg for the sparring. "The fact that I train every day and very disciplined, I'm always ready for a fight. Rest is very important before such a fight. I try to rest as much as possible despite the hype. "Still, I will not make it easy for Fury. I will try to put pressure on him. Someone has to stand up to him in the build-up." On being a massive underdog, Seferi believes even losing to Fury can be a good thing for him. "If you lose to a legend like Fury, it's no shame for me as an athlete. Somehow it goes on and on. After one or two struggles I would be back. "It's about my name, my reputation, my honor. My brother Nuri and I are known for fighting. If it was about little money, I would not do all the preparation and the nerve-racking fight. "As a real estate agent, I am doing well financially. The fight money is a kind of bonus," he stated. Should Seferi be confirmed by promoter Frank Warren, there could potentially be groans from some fans, who have already snapped up tickets before learning who would be in the opposite corner
I already saw people here mention him as a possible return opponent for Fury. Going the Haye route, with a guy that has a decent looking record, but doesn't bring anything to the table. Taking the sefer route
Said on the Brit forum that he's actually a better opponent than I'd have expected. Gave Charr decent rounds back in the day
Last time he fought a cruiserweight (also without Peter fury in the corner) he was flat on his back. But I doubt an unheard of Albanian should pose many problems.
But other than Charr that's it.. He's similar to Arnold GGGGGggggggggGGgGGgG. He was still fighting novices 5,6 fights ago. Often off balance and no head movement. Type of fighter any version of Fury would have a field day against.
Some list Seferi as a 42-year old, some have him 39 years old. Either way, "decent" opponent to start with.
Seems like they’ve brought this guy in as a cheerleader to provide some quotes rather than him helping to shed the ring rust.
Would be hilarious if he put Fury on his arse. Eh, I suppose any opponent is to be expected here. Who knows where Fury is at right now.
