Tyson Fury has been sparring with a boxer who considers himself a “carbon copy” of WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
Jordan Thompson joined Fury’s camp out in Las Vegas as preparations ramp up for the Gypsy King’s rematch with Wilder next month.
Like Fury, the 26-year-old hails from Manchester, and boasts an unbeaten record, having fought 10 times as a professional.
Fury has been sparring with a range of different partners ahead of his clash with Wilder on February 22, with Thompson the latest to step in the ring.
“It was a pretty quick turnaround,” Thompson told British Boxing News. “I’ve always thought that, for anyone who is fighting Wilder, I am literally a carbon copy of the man. I am 6ft 6-7ins [tall], 15-and-a-half stone when I am walking around, so I am a replica.
“I mentioned it to my management and then I got a text on the Monday before I came out asking if I wanted sparring with Fury.”
Thompson – nicknamed Troublesome – currently fights at Cruiserweight, but feels his frame matches up with the unbeaten Wilder, and believes he has a technical edge.
“I like to think I am a bit sharper and a better boxer than Wilder.
“In terms of physical attributes we are similar, but I’d like to think I’ve got better legs than him because his are skinny! I’d like to think I’ve got a right hand like him though.”
Fury has made a number of changes in his camp for the eagerly-awaited rematch, including hiring a new cut-man – the well known Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran.
After suffering a nasty gash above his right eye in his last bout with Otto Wallin, Fury is concerned the cut may cause problems should it be opened up again by Wilder.
But Thompson feels Fury is in good shape leading up to the bout, helped largely by his good relationship with new coach SugarHill Steward.
“They have got a good thing going and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out on the night,” Thompson added. “He is in tip-top shape, I can tell you that.”
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