Fury: I’m going to be the first Irish heavyweight world champ

There used be a time when Ireland produced heavyweight boxers who shook the world but in the past 100 years that has become a rarity.

Tomorrow night in the Odyssey Arena Tyson Fury hopes to put Irish heavyweights back on the map.

“I am going to be the first Irish heavyweight champion of the world,” he said ahead of his fight with American Kevin Johnston, who stepped in at late notice following Denis Boytsov’s withdrawal from their WBC heavyweight title eliminator.

“I’m the greatest heavyweight since Lennox Lewis and I’m just happy someone has finally grown a pair and agreed to fight me. Johnson’s going to go home a happy loser with a pay cheque, whereas I’m going to move on to the next level.”

The Manchester-born traveller is already planning his next fight.

“Whatever Vitali Klitschko decides to do I will fight for the vacant title against the winner of Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne, or I will go and fight Wladimir next summer.”

However, first and foremost he must beat the quick-talking Johnston who claimed he, rather than former Irish champion Fury, is the world’s most avoided heavyweight and promised to show why tomorrow night.

“A lot of people wouldn’t take a fight with me. If you think about it at it over the last few years not one top ten heavyweight would fight me.

“Why? Because I am one of the most feared heavyweights out there. Fighting me isn’t a walk in the park . This man will put his on the line and I damn sure going to put mine on the line on Saturday night.”