The five Fury opponents: describe them in terms of likelihood and quality.

- Rivas' only step up was against Whyte and was undone by a decent jab. Plus he's only 6ft. Far too much of a physical and skill separation. If he loses in a UD vs Whyte, he'll get hammered vs Fury.

- Efe Ajagba - No where near enough experience, has fought no one.

- Martin was annihilated by a younger Joshua, and has been beaten by lesser quality than that. No point at 34 giving him a shot.


So that leaves Hunter vs Kabayel.

Kabayel "credible because of his win over Chisora".

I really think it amusing that people see Chisora as "the standard" to prove themselves. What does beating Chisora prove? Fury absolutely annihilated Chisora, it wasn't even funny. It was just as one sided as the Wilder 2 fight, and the ref should have ended it sooner. There's no comparison.

Beating Chisora proves what? That you're not sh*t? Kabayel hasn't fought anyone above Chisora level, that means he's not proven anywhere near top 10 quality yet.

Hunter is the more proven entity here, most people though he beat Povetkin, and at the worst he drew with him, and Povetkin is ranked 4 now and has worried/hurt everyone he's fought over the last 3 years, including Joshua who was worried by him.

Hunter has fought someone top 10 quality, and at the very least got a draw. Hunter is the only one I see giving Fury a contest.

No one else on this list will stand a chance.

 

I think the beating Chisora thing comes from the fights Chisora should have lost in decisive manner and somehow won, troubled or even beat his opponent.
The 2 Whyte and Takam fights being the relatively recent examples.

Kabayel isn't good enough though, as edging Chisora tells you everything you need to know already. But we don't have to expect much from Fury's very first title defence ever.
Everyone on that list is already better as everyone Fury fought since his return besides Wilder. Even Ajagba.

Hunter = the best of the list here. He edged out Povetkin on my card.
Rivas = Claim to fame is dropping a juiced up Whyte, and not getting the decision overturned later. Can be dangerous, but that's it.
Martin = Looked like a joke when he fought Joshua, crashing to the canvas like a god. But he has shown to be at least decent since.
Kabayel = Slightly above Chisora level, but without the punch to give him an outside chance.
Very safe opponent, very small chance for an upset, so it probably will be him.
Ajagba = Has shown that his punching power vanishes as soon as he steps up competition. Looks the part, obviously isn't, unless he makes huge steps.

 

Lets be honest - none of them are anywhere near good enough.

 

I'd say Hunter has proven himself potential top 10 quality at least though.

He's proven he can mix it with the likes of Povetkin, so he's arguably proven he's at least in top 10 quality bracket?

Hunter is the only one who seems to have made himself look like a potential competition fo rFury.

 

It will be Kabayel, Ajagba or Rivas.

It definitely won't be Martin.
I seriously doubt it will be Hunter.

Hunter is the best but I'd give him little chance against Fury.
Rivas and Kabayel are second best .... and likely. They have almost no chance against Fury. Rivas has a better puncher's chance but that's very slim ... but Kabayel might actually be a trickier fight, and still Fury should win comfortably.

Martin and Ajagba are equally crap, it seems.
There's a chance Ajagba will be thrown in there ... and there's a chance he rises to the occasion and proves to be better than he seems so far.
Martin has no chance of landing the fight anyway, which is good.

 

Martin is gonna sit on his mandatory spot in the hopes of either getting a shot at undisputed or a second vacant title shot. Not even that good but can punch and box a bit, tall awkward southpaw who might present a Wallin-esque issue for Tyson. Would still be outmatched most likely as he hasn't the same movement or tactical nous. Top 15 perhaps, not likely thank ****.

Hunter will always be ready to fight for a title against a great fighter, for monetary and legacy reasons. Good fast hands, nice jab, very good feet, stamina is sometimes in question. Beat Povetkin IMO, also beat Kuzmin and Bakole, very good fighter, easily top 10. Not the likeliest pick but the best.

Rivas is a sturdy fighter with a good punch, nice combos and stamina but way too static and as mentioned earlier can be undone with a good jab which Fury definitely has. Still around top 10 but not going to reach the top likely. Pretty good pick still.

I like Kabayel personally, good all rounder with the heart to scrap too. Active quick jab, in and out movement and nice short combos are his notable traits. Did the job on Chisora and apparently sparked AJ in sparring (but it seems many have). Easily top 20, probably top 15. Most likely pick.

Ajagba shouldn't even be considered, no top 30 wins, is only about top 25 in the division. Stiff, predictable (one two and maybe a hook), not that fast, just a KO waiting to happen. Worst pick and thankfully not likely.

 

Hunter would be the stand out opponent but for a December fight I'd be happy enough to see any of Kabayel, Rivas or Hunter

 

It seems quite obvious the only person who would probably stand a chance is Hunter. Everyone else hasn't proven themselves against a top 10 opponent.