Deontay Wilder's Manager Names Tyson Fury In Top Five Heavyweights Ever

Tyson Fury could only be beaten by three heavyweight boxers in the history of the sport, according to Deontay Wilder's manager Shelly Finkel.

Fury proved once again how good he is when he defended his WBC heavyweight title against Wilder last weekend, in one of the best fights in recent memory.

The champ had to get off the mat twice in the fourth round, to go along with two knockdowns he survived in the first fight, but was dominant in the second half of the fight.

The fight was so good that even Mike Tyson has ranked it as one of the best he's seen, and Iron Mike has also been named as one of just three men who could have beaten Fury at his best.

According to Finkel, who has been a manager in the sport since 1980, the Gypsy King is amongst the top five in the blue riband division ever.

"Probably in the top five," the American told the Sun when asked where Fury ranks.

"You have to give Fury credit, he got up twice, also in the first fight, and he is calm in the ring. 

"He knows what he’s got to do and he does it very well. Time will tell where he places in history."

Fury knocks out Wilder. Image: PA Image

Comparing sports stars across different generations is often difficult, because of the developments and changes in rules, and it's no difference in boxing.

The heavyweight division has certainly got heavier in modern times, with the 19.5 half stone Fury came in at for his trilogy far heavier than any of the legendary champs of yesteryear.

Finkel thinks that the weight advantage means only three men from the history of the division could have beaten the current lineal champion.

"The smaller guys couldn’t beat him because of his size," Wilder's manager added, "Maybe, a George Foreman, at Foreman’s peak. 

"Ali was specially gifted in movement, but smaller than that would’ve been hard. 

"Mike Tyson may have been able, even though he was only 215 or so."

Tyson fighting Frank Bruno in 1996. Image: PA Images

Tyson did also reveal how he thinks he would have defeated Fury, so he is obviously in agreement with Finkel.

Wilder's agent was the first to reveal that the Bronze Bomber had changed his mind about the man he's faced three times, and did actually have respect for him.

After footage revealed what was said between the two in the corner following the 11th round stoppage, Wilder then came out to apologise for not respecting his victor, something the world champion was happy to accept.

Topics: Heavyweight Boxing, Boxing, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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