GERMAN-BASED 27-year-old Christian Hammer says he has proven how confident he is ahead of his February 28 clash with Tyson Fury by agreeing to challenge the unbeaten giant โat his place.โ The man who captured gold at the Junior World Amateur Championships in 2006, is 17-3 (10) as a pro (included amongst his victories a decision over Kevin Johnson, who Fury also outpointed), and says Furyโs size is no problem as he โlikes fighting taller guys.โ
The Romanian-born contender will be having his first fight outside of Germany or Romania, yet he says all the pressure is firmly on Furyโs shoulders.
Q: You are on a roll having won your last 10. Do you feel you are at your peak now and capable of scoring a stoppage win over Tyson Fury?
Christian Hammer: โWell, of course I have enough power to stop Fury, otherwise I wouldnโt go into the ring if I didnโt trust myself and my power. I accepted this fight, at his place, I suppose that tells you everything. As for being at my peak, I still have many things to learn, but I feel good and I feel powerful.โ
Q: You were stopped by Mariusz Wach โ a tall fighter like Fury โ back in 2010 (KO by 6). What went wrong in that fight?
C.H: โThe fight with Wach, it came too early in my career. At that time, I didnโt have enough pro experience. But since that fight, I think I have faced fighters who have more power than Wach. All of my fights are important to me. Ahead of all of my fights, I am nervous, which is normal, but in this fight, all the pressure of the public is on his [Furyโs] shoulders, which of course is good for me. โ
Q: You will be able to find suitably tall sparring partners to get ready for the 6โ9โ Fury?
C.H: โAll I can say is, my promoter knows what I will need in the run up to this fight and he will bring me exactly what I need to make sure I am ready.โ
Q: Has Fury impressed you or have you seen weaknesses in him?
C.H: โEvery boxer has weaknesses. Right now, Iโm not going to talk about Furyโs weaknesses. As for his fights, I think one of his very best performances was his first fight with Dereck Chisora.โ
Q: You say you feel powerful – which is your best punch?
C.H: โI do feel powerful. We will see on the night which is my best punch!โ