What is the next step for Tyson Fury?

By: Hans Themistode

Lineal Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (28-0-1, 20 KO), receives praise for his two-round destruction of Tom Schwarz (24-1, 16 KO), relatively unknown. Fury lost little time sending his opponent in front of a raging crowd on June 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For casual fans, it was an impressive performance. For those who follow the sport closely, understand that Fury would do exactly what he did Saturday night.

Fury has now set the stage for a rematch with WBC champ Deontay Wilder. Or at least that's what it seems. The revenge will be eagerly awaited between the two. However, it should not happen before the first quarter of 2020. Fury still has time to enter the ring before his confrontation with Wilder.

The Lineal champion can still improve his profile with another victory before facing Wilder. It is a risk that Fury faces strong opposition, as this could jeopardize Wilder's revenge. Many would fear such danger, but not Fury. Let's see who he should face before his confrontation with Wilder.

Alexander Povetkin

Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs), aged 6 and 39, would be at a distinct disadvantage in a duel against Fury. Although the former Olympic gold medalist reached a few years after his heyday, he still has a ton of power. A fight against Povetkin will at the very least prepare Fury for the kind of power that will come to him in the rematch against Deontay Wilder.

In no way do I say that both have similar power, but Povetkin has placed more than his fair share of suitors on the mat. The fury must be prepared for the badault that will be heading towards him. Povetkin seems to be the perfect test. It may not have the stature needed to really bother Fury, but his exceptional knockout power will keep the Lineal champion at the top of his game.

Jarrell Miller

Jarrell Miller (20-0-1, 18 KO) was slightly suspended for six months by the WBA. Many think his actions deserved a much longer ban but, as is often the case in boxing, Miller got a break. Miller and WBC champion Deontay Wilder have two completely different fighting styles.

Wilder ends his competition with one punch, while Miller uses his excellent cardio and high punching power to outsmart his opponents. A match between Miller and Fury would give the champion Lineal a fight that would strengthen his already skyrocketing profile. In terms of confrontation, Fury should be able to defeat Miller. The preparation of their contest would be legendary, because the two men are fantastic at the microphone.

Joseph Parker

Former WBO heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker (25-2, 19 KOs) has a date with the long-time faded heavyweight candidate, Eric Molina, on June 29th. Provided that he is unscathed through this competition, a match between Parker and Fury would be interesting. The former title holder has suffered consecutive defeats against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, but he is far from having managed to compete with the best in the world.

With all due respect to Tom Schwarz, but it's just not the right opponent Fury can face before a fight with Wilder. Parker would provide a much more severe test. It's a fight that Fury could lose, but if he really believes he's the best heavyweight in the world, a meeting with Joseph Parker is paramount.