Holy crap, it's been a minute since we've seen Tommy Fury in a boxing ring! I've been following this guy since his Love Island days (yeah, I watch that show - judge me all you want), and finally, FINALLY, he's lacing up those gloves again THIS FRIDAY NIGHT in Budapest.
The man they call TNT hasn't thrown a professional punch since that somewhat messy win over KSI back in October 2023. Remember that fight? I stayed up till 2am watching it with my flatmate who kept insisting KSI was "robbed." Whatever, mate.
Who the hell is Kenan Hanjalic anyway?
Fair question.
Tommy's opponent is this Bosnian fighter with a decent 5-1 record with 4 KOs. Nothing to sneeze at. Hanjalic was born in Germany but represents Bosnia and Herzegovina while living in Sarajevo. Bit of a journeyman if we're being honest.
Here's teh interesting part - Hanjalic normally fights as a heavyweight (ranked #322 in the world, so... yeah). He weighed a chunky 220lbs in his last fight, which was a second-round KO win against someone called Edhem Hrustic. For context, that's about 20lbs above the cruiserweight limit where Tommy usually competes.
The guy turned pro back in 2019 but has been particularly busy these last 18 months. Friday will actually be his fourth fight since August. Gotta respect the hustle.
From Wrist Surgery to "Dark Places"
Tommy's been through some stuff, guys. After beating KSI, he had to undergo wrist surgery which kept him sidelined. Then there was that whole Darren Till situation earlier this year...
Remember that mess? Tommy was supposed to fight the ex-UFC guy on a Misfits card but pulled out because he was worried Till would use MMA moves in the ring. Till absolutely blasted Tommy and his dad John as "completely and utterly embarrassing." Drama, drama, drama.
And let's not pretend we don't know about his personal life falling apart. The split with Molly-Mae has clearly taken its toll. Tommy actually appeared on Good Morning Britain on May 7th and admitted he'd "fallen into a dark place" in 2024.
"You go down a route for a few weeks, and you end up staying there for a long time," he said, looking genuinely deflated. I felt for him, I really did.
But now he's claiming "This year will be the best year of my life. And it starts on Friday." Listen. I've heard that kind of talk before from fighters... sometimes it's just talk, sometimes it's real. We'll see which version of Tommy shows up.
Friday Night Fights - The Details You Need
So here's what you need to know if you're planning to watch (and I know I am, even though my girlfriend thinks I'm sad for caring about "celebrity boxing"):
The fight's happening this Friday, May 9th at the MTK Arena in Budapest, Hungary. Tommy vs Hanjalic is the main event, with ring walks expected around 10pm, though that's not set in stone yet.
Tommy's brother Roman Fury is also on the card as chief support, expected around 9pm. I saw Roman fight last year and... let's just say the talent in the family definitely concentrated in Tyson with a bit left over for Tommy.
Can you actually watch this thing?
Adn here's where it gets frustrating. As of right now, there's zero information about TV coverage or streaming options. Nothing. Nada.
I spent $30 last year streaming one of Tommy's fights, and the quality was so bad I might as well have watched it through a fishbowl. Hopefully, they'll announce something soon, but don't hold your breath.
If all else fails, The Sun will be running a live blog of the action. Not ideal, but better than nothing.
The Rest of the Card (It's Pretty Thin)
Besides Tommy vs Hanjalic and Roman vs TBA (yes, his opponent isn't even confirmed yet... professional!), there are only two other fights:
Shokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze in a cruiserweight bout, and Valentin Koloszar vs Alexandru Ionita at featherweight. Not exactly a stacked card, is it?
I'll be honest - I've never heard of any of these fighters. I googled them and still came up empty. This is clearly the Tommy Fury show.
Look, I've been following boxing for 15 years now, and these kinds of comeback fights are always a bit... manufactured. Tommy needs a win after everything he's been through. His team isn't stupid - they've picked an opponent who normally fights above Tommy's weight class but probably isn't a serious threat.
Will I still watch? Of course I will. It's Tommy Fury! The guy who somehow managed to beat Jake Paul when everyone (including me) thought he'd get flattened.
See you Friday night. I'll be the one yelling at my TV with a beer in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is physical conditioning in professional boxing?
Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands high levels of strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Professional boxers need to engage in a customized fitness program, which includes aerobic and anaerobic exercise, strength and resistance exercises, and flexibility workouts. The ability of a boxer to train and perform effectively is compromised without a superior level of physical conditioning.
What is the best equipment for a beginner in professional boxing to start with?
Equipment essential for those who want to get into professional boxing include boxing gloves, mouthguards, headgears (for sparring) and the right footwear. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.
What role does a manager or promoter play in the career of a professional boxer?
Promoters and managers are crucial to a professional boxer's career. Managers are responsible for guiding the boxer's career path, negotiating contracts, and handling the business affairs of the boxer. They can also assist in choosing the right fights for the boxer and take care of his or her interests. Promoters are more focused on marketing, event organization and attracting sponsorship attention. They also focus on enhancing a boxer’s profile.
What are the key components of a boxer's training routine?
The training regimen of a boxer is usually composed of several important components. These include technical skill development, tactical drills, strength and conditioning, sparring, and mental preparation. While tactical drills are used to develop fighting strategies and improve defensive moves, technique-focused workouts focus on improving punch accuracy. Sparring is a great way to gain practical experience. Conditioning exercises improve athleticism. Mental training helps build confidence, focus, resilience and resilience.
What are the risks of professional boxing?
Like any contact sport, professional boxing is not without its risks. There are many acute injuries that may occur, including head trauma and fractures. Chronic conditions can also develop, such a concussions. Proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to boxing regulations help mitigate risks, but they can never be fully eliminated. It is important to understand and accept these risks before you decide to box professionally.
Anyone can learn how to box professionally.
While boxing is accessible to many, not everyone will have what it takes to compete at a professional level. Professional boxing requires a unique blend of talent, physical abilities, mental toughness, and dedication. Prospective boxers must also be willing to face the inherent risks of the sport. A thorough screening by a boxing trainer can determine whether someone has the potential to pursue a career in professional boxing.
What age can you learn to box professionally?
Professional boxing does have age restrictions. Most boxing commissions require that boxers be 18 years or older to compete professionally. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. It's crucial for older athletes to be thoroughly assessed for fitness and risk before taking up the sport professionally.
Statistics
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
- Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
External Links
How To
How to begin training for Professional Boxing
A strategic and dedicated approach is required to begin your professional journey. Find a boxing gym that has experienced trainers with a good reputation. Learn the basics such as footwork, stance and punching technique. It is important to start conditioning early. Incorporate cardio, strength-training, and flexibility exercises in your routine. Additionally, immerse yourself in the sport by studying professional fights and learning from the best, being diligent about practice, and staying consistent with your training regimen.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/benn-treats-himself-to-280k-rolls-after-eubank-payday-fat-boy-money-despite-loss
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