His two fights with Usyk were awesome he's annoyed me over the years with his antics and stalling fights but when he's focused he can give us entertaining fights. Wilder 1, 3, Usyk 1, 2, will go down as memorable fights in years to come so I'm grateful for him for that even though I'll never be a fan.
I tend to agree. I thought he came out with a lot of credit tonight - even though I do blame him for the fight taking so long to be made in the first place. When he's not stalling or messing about with his career, Fury is a very good fighter. I think he enjoyed the adulation of being 'the man' - and being seen as lineal, undefeated by the public - but wasn't always keen to defend it against all-comers in a way like Ali, for example, did. He took some risks, but they were calculated. The goodwill he had after coming back from the hiatus and beating Wilder was, to some degree squandered. I think he never really achieved his full potential.
Im on the same boat. I’m not much of a Fury fan but I do appreciate him as a fighter no matter how much of a fat, insufferable and detestable guy he is from time to time. Not many people want to admit this but Fury did help make this current era of HW more interesting. His personality, life story, unorthodox style and memorable fights made him a very popular fighter. If there’s one thing many can say about him it’s that he has no quit in him and is a fighter who does give his all when he’s focused. I’m not sure if Fury is considered an ATG HW in my opinion but he is future HOFer nonetheless. He was clearly the best HW during his time at the top before Usyk came along so there’s wrong with losing twice to the same man who is inarguably the best fighter in his era.
His fight with Otto Wallin is also an underrated fight from Fury. As much of a lumbering oaf as he can be at times there’s no denying that he’s skilled, tough, and a talented fighter for a guy his size.
If he had a little more humility we could focus on his good performances, but, as nicely summed up already, he probably identified too strongly with being 'the man'. Defeat has proven too bitter a pill to swallow.
He’s lost me as a fan a little, due to his antics over the last few years. But he gave everything that he had last night. He couldn’t have done anymore. I’ll miss him when he’s gone.
