Tyson Fury better and stronger than ever, says sparring partner

ONE of Tyson Furyโ€™s chief sparring partners ahead of the British giantโ€™s massive November 28 world heavyweight title challenge to Wladimir Klitschko believes the fightโ€™s postponement from October 24 has only made the traveller a more likely victor.

Rico Verhoeven, the reigning Glory heavyweight kickboxing champion from the Netherlands, first worked with Fury over three years ago and has been a regular โ€˜opponentโ€™ for this most crucial of camps. The 6ft 5in Dutchman, who makes his MMA debut on Monday (October 19), feels the delay has only hardened his friendโ€™s resolve.

โ€œI think heโ€™s gonna do really good,โ€ Verhoeven opined. โ€œThe fight was postponed but thatโ€™s not a problem for Tyson Fury. The postponement made Tyson stronger mentally and he was already very mentally strong. Iโ€™m really a fan of both guys but I also think itโ€™s time for a new champion, so Iโ€™d want to go for Tyson. Klitschko is a really good boxer so itโ€™s not for nothing heโ€™s been the champion for over 10 years [when all his reigns are considered]. Tysonโ€™s youth, height and weight will be really hard for Klitschko โ€“ heโ€™s fought big guys before but not with the high level of skills Fury has.โ€

Verhoeven knows what heโ€™s talking about only too well. The first time he and Fury sparred the Gypsy warrior closed both of Ricoโ€™s eyes. Verhoeven kept coming forward however and coming back over the years, his boxing skills improving as a result.

โ€œIโ€™ve also done pads sessions with Peter Fury, Tysonโ€™s trainer and the sparring has got more difficult for Tyson as I have improved,โ€ reveals Rico, who was last with the Furys two weeks ago and is going back the week after his fight. โ€œThe biggest difference is that I grew a lot as a boxer. He did too but now itโ€™s easier for me to give him a hard time than it was at the beginning. Before I was not moving my head enough and walking onto his jab. The way he moves and the footwork for his height and weight-class is amazing. We are definitely in the warzone, we have to work hard. Every time I go over there I see and feel his improvement.โ€

Verhoeven returns to Glory on December 4 in Amsterdam and aims to show off some of his own development.

 

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