Tyson Fury To Spar With Dad John Ahead Of Bare Knuckle Fight

Tyson Fury is to spar with his dad John as part of the 55-year-old's upcoming bare knuckle fight with a bodybuilder.

Big John has accepted a challenge from Mick Theo, who responded to Fury's claim of being the 'toughest 55-year-old in the world' - a quote from John's call out to UFC president Dana White, where he said he could "smash him with one punch" in a fight.

John has had his fair share of fights over the years and was never going to turn down an offer to trade blows again. Luckily for him, he has the luxury of mixing it up with the WBC heavyweight world champion that he calls his son, as part of his preparation.

Speaking to IFL TV, Fury Sr said: "I've got the best of sparring, Tyson's going to be sparring me, [my other son] Shane is going to be sparring me.

"We were sparring - me, Tyson and Shane - before he went to Vegas.

"And do you know what he said to me? 'I'm surprised how sharp you really are; you're still good on your feet and you've still got a good engine.'

"It's good for me, it's what I do, it's what I love doing, and it gives me more incentive to do what I was doing anyway.

"I always keep fit, I'm semi-fit all the time, but now I can up the ante and enjoy it even more, have something to concentrate on."

In his first video responding to British bodybuilding champion Theo, Fury said he was "trying to make a name" for himself.

But while fighting man Fury has no beef with Theo, he's very much relishing the opportunity for a slugfest.

"I just love fighting, I just love it. Nothing against this chap, but if we can put a good show on, and get a lot of money for charity, and show people we're not finished in our mid-50s.

"I'm confident in my own ability. Whatever he does, he does, I hope he does it well.

"So good luck to the man. If he wants a fight, he'll get a fight, because I've never shied away from a challenge in my life.

"I'm quite looking forward to it. I'm going to enjoy the build-up just as much as I'm going to enjoy the fight on the night."

Topics: Tyson Fury, Boxing News, Boxing, John Fury

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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