Tommy Fury insists his boxing ambition burns brighter than ever as the Love Island star prepares for his return to the sport he was born into.
The 20-year-old light heavyweight made his professional debut last December then known as the younger brother of Tyson and not much else.
11 months later and with still just two pro fights under his belt, his return to the ring is being met with the sort of anticipation and fanfare you would associate with a world champion after finishing as runner-up on the ITV hit show alongside current partner Molly-Mae Hague in July
He returns on 21 December with a new army of fans likely to switch over and tune in that evening.
Fury will remain a celebrity outside of the ring – not ruling out further television deals and appearances outside of fight camp having also hyped a potential celebrity showdown with YouTube star KSI.
But having boxed since the age of 12 and having grown up immersed in the sport with the fighting Fury family, getting back to his roots has always been the objective. While his name might be recognised for reasons outside of boxing, he believes that sort of distinction can help him achieve his dreams in the sport and avoid fading into obscurity.
“I had two months completely out, not doing any training” Fury told Standard Sport. “When I came out [of Love Island] I was doing a lot of personal appearances, nightclubs, that sort of thing. I was drinking, doing whatever else you want when you’re in that position. But then it hit me one night. I don’t want to be another washed up star in five years who had his famous five minutes. And that was it. I want to use this platform and build on it to become a house-hold name.
“Boxing, that’s the sport everyone follows and it is my profession. That’s what I’ve done before. I’m not just going into this for the promotional side, trying to earn a few quid. I’m a fighting man, this is what I do and what I’ve done long before Love Island. That’s where I’ve paid my dues and I just want to take a few fans over and I hope everyone enjoys the ride.”
Fury says he is “incredible condition” six weeks away from fight night, where he will compete on the undercard of a show headlined by undefeated London heavyweight Daniel Dubois.
He returns to train with former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton, with father John also close by to ensure he remains focused on his craft. With those two in his corner, Fury believes he has surrounded himself with the best people possible to ensure he isn’t led astray.
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“My dad is very good and keeping me grounded. He’s been there and done it with Tyson - Tyson is a worldwide celebrity now. So he has been through what I’m going though. He knows the right things to say to me so I’ll never ever struggle in that department.
“Ricky fought Floyd Mayweather who was the best fighter in the world. I’ve got all these great people around me telling me what’s what, I’ve got no one around me blowing smoke up my a*** and telling me lies. I don’t have it because I don’t like it. I like real people and that’s all I have around me.”
With older brother Tyson heading towards a WBC heavyweight title rematch with Deontay Wilder, the younger Fury brother is not thinking beyond that 21 December date, with an opponent still to be announced. “We’re not looking past that. Maybe after Christmas me, Frank [Warren], my dad and my team will have sit down and discuss further plans.”
