The Gypsy King Takes His Comeback To Thailand
Right then, of all the places you'd expect to find Tyson Fury on July 24, a stadium in Pattaya probably wasn't top of your list. But that's exactly where it's happening: Fury faces Polish veteran Mariusz Wach at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Thailand, his second outing since coming out of retirement earlier this year. Fury vs Wach is a tune-up, plain and simple — but there's a bigger picture here, and it points straight at an all-British blockbuster.
Why Wach, And Why Now?
Let's not beat around the bush: Wach is 46 years old and has been a professional for over twenty years. "The Viking" once challenged for the unified titles the best part of a decade and a half ago, and at 6ft 7in he's a big, durable unit who's never been easy to look good against. That's the point. Fury needs rounds, needs ring rust knocked off, and needs a safe, sizeable body in front of him. Wach ticks every box without carrying real danger.
There's a feel-good angle too. Ticket money from the show is going to charity, and Fury is set to receive a humanitarian recognition from the WBC on the night. Whatever you make of the matchmaking, it's a proper occasion being built around it.
One Day Before Joshua
Here's the bit that matters. Fury vs Wach lands just one day before Anthony Joshua returns against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh. Two tune-ups, back to back, on opposite sides of the world — and everyone knows what they're really for. Get through these, and the all-British mega-fight everyone's craved for years finally gets signed for later in the year. Neither man can afford a slip.
The Only Real Risk
Make no mistake, the only way Fury vs Wach becomes a story is if Fury is careless. A rusty heavyweight, a big awkward veteran, an exotic venue — upsets have happened on less. But I don't see it. Fury at even 80 percent is levels above Wach at this stage of his career.
My Prediction
No fence-sitting here. Fury boxes his ears off for a few rounds, has a bit of fun, then puts Wach away in the middle of the fight — I'll say a stoppage inside six. The real business starts the moment his hand is raised, because then it's all about Joshua. Fury vs Wach is the warm-up act. The main event is coming, and it's British. If you know, you know.