London (20 August) Peter Fury wants “tough kids that will throw punches back” for young heavyweight star Hughie Lewis Fury and sees “quality fighter” Shane McPhilbin as the perfect test.
Ahead of Hughie’s clash, his father and trainer, Peter, hopes the former British cruiserweight champion, McPhilbin, will give him a hard fight on the Kid Galahad undercard, at the Magna Centre, Rotherham, September 14th, live on Channel 5 from 8pm, to aid the teenager’s progression.
“The better McPhilbin has prepared the better for us, because I want Hughie in difficult fights,” Peter said.
“I don’t want any padded records, we want tough kids that will throw punches back, as these are the types of fights where he’s going to learn and develop.”
McPhilbin, 27, is the first British fighter Hughie has faced and represents the first big step up in the 18-year-old heavyweight’s career to date.
Boasting a professional record of eight wins with five knockouts, the former British cruiserweight champion has fought and knocked down the likes of Enzo Maccarinelli and poses a big threat.
“It’s an upper level – he’s upping his game and McPhilbin’s a good test for Hughie, so it should be a good night of boxing,” Peter said.
“McPhilbin’s not going to be easy and this is what we want Hughie to learn.
“Hughie’s got power – his power is not in question – but I want him to learn how to survive, how to not get frustrated and how to stick to his game plan.
“What we need is rounds upon rounds upon rounds, the more McPhilbin can take him.
“Experience is only gained when you’re in there with a quality fighter and McPhilbin is a quality fighter.”
Hughie outpointed Moses Matovu in his last contest and is aiming to improve his record to nine straight victories since his debut in March.
The 6’7” Hughie is in Belgium helping his cousin Tyson Fury prepare for his September 28th showdown with David Haye at the Phones 4 U Arena Manchester.
Aiming at beating Mike Tyson’s infamous record of becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion, Hughie is fully focussed on his latest test.
Also supporting Galahad at Magna will be middleweight sensation Chris Eubank Jr in his 11th professional contest, with an undercard featuring a whole host of local talent.
