- Tommy Fury extended his undefeated record to 11-0 with victory on Friday night
- But underwhelming showing did little to placate critics of the 26-year-old online
Tommy Fury has come under fire from boxing fans after he returned to action for the first time in more than 18 months.
In his first fight since defeating social media star KSI in 2023, Fury took on Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic over six rounds at the MTK Arena in Budapest.
Despite his unheralded opposition Fury failed to impress, struggling to impose himself against the 5-1 Hanjalic, but ultimately did enough to get the victory on the judges’ scorecards.
Fury thanked his family in his post-fight speech, referring to his daughter Bambi and his partner, influencer Molly-Mae Hauge, with whom he has recently reconciled following a highly-publicised split last year.
The former Love Island star also took aim at Jake Paul, the influencer turned professional boxer who Fury handed his sole defeat via decision in 2023.
‘Jake Paul’s a b**** and he’s running scared, Hey, Jake, the hand is fixed now, the hand is fixed. I fought a guy in here tonight who has had over 100 amateur fights.
Tommy Fury came under fire on social media after an underwhelming return to the ring
After the fight Fury hailed his partner Molly-Mae Hague, with whom he has recently reconciled
Fury also set his sights on a rematch with Jake Paul after handing the American his only loss in 2023
‘He’s experienced and he’s as tough as teeth. If Jake Paul wants to step inside this ring, I guarantee you next time I will knock him spark out.
‘I’ve had two years out of the ring, this is me after two years. I will knock that bum out wherever he wants it.’
However, Fury’s explanation of ring rust did little to placate critics of the cruiserweight on social media, with his post-fight antics branded as ’embarrassing’ by fans online.
One wrote: ‘Imagine being a professional boxer, who also happens to be a Fury, Yet here u are calling Jake Paul out, who not only u already beat, but isn’t even supposed to be in a legit boxer’s radar. EMBARRASSING TOMMY FURY!’
Another agreed: ‘Am I actually reading this right. Tommy Fury is fighting a 6 round fight? Absolutely ridiculous.
‘Does he actually want to be a pro boxer because he has better opportunities than most. At this stage in his career to be fighting a 6 round fight is embarrassing.’
However, other users leapt to Fury’s defence, noting his physical potential and relative inexperience.
One insisted: ‘Tommy fury is still learning. Go for English title then British, have another 3 fights this year, 5 next year, could come on well. It takes time. Can’t bi-pass levels, or you will come unstuck’
A final fan agreed: ‘Against popular opinion. I actually think Tommy Fury is half decent but he’s a heavyweight, his reach makes him look awful but he’s half decent.’
