Mike Tyson became the youngest champion ever in the heavyweight division after knocking out WBC titlist Trevor Barbick in the second round of their bout in November 22, 1986. Tyson, who was 20-year old and five months old then, still holds the record up to now.
Almost three decades later, an 18-year old Briton believes he has shot at making history by winning a world title at a much earlier age than the American boxing great.
Hughie Fury, the cousin of heavyweight contender Tyson Fury, confidently told Channel Five that he can capture a major world title before he turns 20.
Looking at Fury's unblemished record alone, it seems that the Briton is on a right track towards achieving his goal. However, there's one big issue that Fury needs to address quickly for him to be a legitimate title contender -- he needs to find better competition.
Fury has been undefeated in his first five professional boxing bouts with four coming in by way of knockout. Yet, all of his victories were earned against washed-out fighters or boxers with a terrible record.
Last Saturday, Fury didn't put extra effort to secure his fifth win against journeyman Ladislav Kovarik.
Unfortunately for him, the win wasn't enough to pad up his stock. Kovarik entered the fight with only 10 wins out of 25 career fights. Moreover, Kovarik was not any near from being a threat to Fury, having only five knockouts since turning pro.
If that's lopsided matchmaking, then expect it to be a lot worse next Saturday when Fury faces Tomas Mrazek, a guy who holds a 7-40-6, 5 KO's record.
Fury maybe one of the most talented young boxers right now in England, but his promoter, Mick Hennessy, needs to serve him up against quality opponents for him to be real contender.
On the other hand, Tyson had a 27-0 record and obliterated several tough dudes like Steve Zouski, Jesse Ferguson, Mitch Green, and Mike Jameson before he earned his first title shot.
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