Tyson Fury urged Irish prospect Stevie McKenna to break his rib during a brutal sparring session.
World heavyweight champion Fury has not fought since December but is currently in negotiations to fight for the undisputed titles against Oleksandr Usyk. It was a successful 2022 for the 'Gypsy King' who beat British rivals Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, but he wants to make this year the best yet with potential fights against Usyk, Joe Joyce and Francis Ngannou.
Fury has remained in training despite waiting for news if the fight with Usyk can be pushed through after talks stalled over the event landing in Saudi Arabia. And footage has emerged of his sparring rounds with Irish prospect Stevie McKenna, who currently holds a record of 13 professional wins at welterweight.
During the session the pair trade punches, but Fury is largely letting his sparring partner work his body as he tries to move around and take the power shots. In the second part of the video, McKenna unloads a series of stiff right hooks to the torso of Fury who shouts back "Break a f***ing rib" in response to the barrage.
Fury deliberately opens his body and allows the shot to land, but he is seemingly undeterred by the power of the Irish star who is several divisions below the 'Gypsy King'. The Briton is known for his powerful antics in sparring, and regularly pushes himself to the maximum in training camp.
Under the recent guidance of trainer Sugar Hill Steward, Fury has shown a new aggressive streak which has seen him win his last four fights by KO including against Deontay Wilder. It is arguably the toughest year for Fury yet who could face talented champion Usyk, before defending the undisputed crown against Joyce if he can pick up the win.
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But despite showing his resolute attitude in training, sparring partner Alen Babic has suggested that Joyce could have the edge over the Fury from his experience in both fighter's camps. “It’s a crazy fight. I think Tyson is a mad man, he really is," Babic told iD Boxing. "He’s one of my favourite personas. I was in his camp for one month and he was so good to me and gave me everything.
He is a true persona. I think Joe Joyce [doesn’t have that] persona – not even close like Tyson Fury. But Joe Joyce is, in my opinion, a more dangerous guy right now. I think Tyson Fury is more spent, you know? He also said his arms hurt, his elbows, everything. He’s f***ed, in his own words. I think Joe Joyce is that kind of juggernaut, he just doesn’t feel pain. Something like myself. He just doesn’t feel pain, he just goes on. I don’t know if it’s smart for Tyson Fury [to take that fight.]"
