It's the best British win of this era, no doubt, but IMO it doesn't come close to the likes of Honeyghan/Curry or Turpin/Robinson. I'd say Hatton/Tszyu is closer.
I dont get people that say hatton's win was bigger? Kostya was far from a household name over here, he'd been out the ring a while too. Great win but klitchko was deemed to be far too good. Hatton had a very live chance 99% said fury didnt have
The Odds were 8/1 for Fury to win. It was a weird one, the way people are going on (myself included) you would think the odds were more like 25/1.
Kostya was arguably a better fighter than Wlad so some people will say better opponent = better win. Calzaghe's win over Hopkins was also a pretty good scalp but the manner of the victory wasn't decisive.
In my lifetime, I'd have in behind the following: Benn vs McClellan Honeyghan vs Curry Laing vs Duran Possibly also Hamed vs Tom Johnson. Definately the biggest performance by a British heavyweight (possibly not the most complete, I'd potentially give that to Lewis shutting Tua out) and definately the biggest this century.
That was a near certainty, a much bigger, better Heavyweight and had not spent years in jail. missing a big chunk of his career.
The fans may have thought that Fury had no chance, but that was down more to them not liking Fury as a person. Many pundits and fans who looked at the styles of the two actually gave Fury a chance. Hatton, whilst younger, fresher and more active than Kostya, was felt that, because he was very hittable, he would eventually walk into a big right hand and be stopped. I don't actually remember many informed and objective people picking Hatton to win. Lacy was also a big favourite against Calzaghe. Maybe not at the bookies, but many within the game and a lot of fans favoured the American.
Epic fail.............. Lewis has never been a British boxer so any win he has doesn`t count or do you also count his Olympic win over Rid**** Bowe while wearing the vest of Canada a great win?