Tyson Fury quashes idea of ‘stupid’ fight with one boxer who dubbed Gypsy King ‘Marmite’

Dethroned world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been compared to Marmite by the one opponent he'd prefer not to face.

The 'Gypsy King' has faced and overcome a long list of adversaries but wants to give rising star Moses Itauma a wide berth. At only 19, boxing babe Itauma has already made an impressive mark on the heavyweight division since turning professional in January 2023, swiftly stacking a 10-0 record, with eight finishes under his belt.

That run includes a streak of six consecutive knockouts, four of which ended in the first round. His most recent triumph was a stoppage result over former unified title contender Mariusz Wach in May.

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When asked by TNT Sports (via the Daily Express) whether he'd contemplate a date opposite Itauma, Wythenshawe native Fury didn't need to think long as he replied: "No, definitely not! Do you think I'm stupid? No, no no. . ."

The pair have already shared a ring after it came to light that Itauma had sparred with the Manchester monolith in early 2024. And the prospect had something interesting to say about Fury as the then-WBC champion prepared for his unification clash against Oleksandr Usyk.

After expressing that it was an "honour and privilege" to train alongside Fury, Itauma told talkSPORT his mentor was "very Marmite in sparring." He elaborated: "Some days he'd do good but in some he'd been unbelievable."

That may sound like an insult at first glance until one realises Itauma was suggesting Fury fluctuated between good and "unbelievable," which is high praise. However, it also paints the picture that the gem didn't feel out of place against one of world boxing's elite heavyweights.

Fury has hailed Itauma in return and previously called the Slovakia-born star as "the future of the heavyweight division." He wasn't the first to predict big things are in store for the fighter, however, given Itauma has been hailed 'Britain's Mike Tyson' for some time.

The Gypsy King was present at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena on Saturday as cousin Walter Fury triumphed over Dale Arrowsmith to take his second pro win. Fury is currently preparing for his undisputed rematch against undefeated champion Usyk, which is more than enough to take up his attention without any mention of other potential foes.