Boxing
ESPN staff 6y

Tyson Fury sets sights on Joe Louis' record of 25 consecutive title defences

Boxing

Tyson Fury is looking to make history after setting himself the target of breaking Joe Louis' record of 25 consecutive heavyweight world title defences over the next 10 years.

Louis held the accolade of world champion between 1937 and 1949 and successfully defended his title more times than any other fighter in the division -- a record that has stood for almost 70 years.

Former world champion Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), 29, is preparing to return to the ring following a two-year absence and has set his sights on surpassing the man widely considered to be one of the greatest fighters of all time.

"I've just set myself a goal of beating the great Joe Louis' record of 25 title defences," said Fury in a video posted to his official Instagram account.

"Wladimir Klitschko almost beat Joe Louis' record until I beat him.  Even if I have three fights a year, I've beaten him."

"It's a hard challenge but I've never set a challenge I didn't make," he added. "If anyone is capable of doing it, I'm capable."

Fury hasn't appeared in the ring since defeating Klitschko to claim the IBF, WBA Super and WBO heavyweight world titles in November 2015.

The former world champion has since surrendered those belts without making a single defence after he found himself at the centre of a UK Anti-doping investigation which came to a close in December 2017.

However, after having his boxing licence reinstated by the British Boxing Board of control in January, Fury is getting back into shape under the watchful eye of new trainer Ben Davison and is set to return to action in the coming months.

Although he is yet to announce any details of his anticipated comeback, the Brit has made no secret of his desire to face WBA Super and IBF titleholder Anthony Joshua, who puts his belts on the line against WBO champion Joseph Parker on March 31.

^ Back to Top ^