EXCLUSIVE Christian Hammer: All the pressure is on Tyson Fury

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 โ€œat 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 Furyโ€™s size is no problem as he โ€œlikes 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 Furyโ€™s 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: โ€œWell, of course I have enough power to stop Fury, otherwise I wouldnโ€™t go into the ring if I didnโ€™t 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: โ€œThe fight with Wach, it came too early in my career. At that time, I didnโ€™t 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 [Furyโ€™s] 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 6โ€™9โ€ Fury?

C.H: โ€œAll 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: โ€œEvery boxer has weaknesses. Right now, Iโ€™m not going to talk about Furyโ€™s 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: โ€œI do feel powerful. We will see on the night which is my best punch!โ€

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