Tyson Fury hits back at Chris Eubank after ex-boxer labelled him an 'apprentice'

Tyson Fury has hit out at Chris Eubank Senior after receiving criticism from the former WBO middleweight and super middleweight champion labelled him an “apprentice” boxer, having never learned to box properly.

Former heavyweight champion Fury issued an unusually measured performance to Eubank’s criticism, which came in the wake of Fury’s latest announcement of a comeback ahead of a proposed bout with Tony Bellew.

Speaking on Talksport this week, Eubank said: “Tyson Fury, at one time, was learning to box. He had a fight, he won that fight and then he imploded.

“He only got to apprenticeship position, as far as I was concerned, and then he stopped learning.

“Everyone is talking about a fighter who speaks very well in terms of getting people's attention, but he didn't learn to fight.”

The comments, unsurprisingly, did not go down well with Fury, who has previous when it comes to foul-mouthed outbursts and controversial opinions that have landed him in trouble. However, to Fury’s credit, he issued a calm statement via his Instagram account to admit that he was disappointed with Eubanks comments as they reduced everything that he has achieved during his career – which he highlighted is more than Eubank did in terms of titles won.

“I've just read Chris Eubank's comments on me, Mr senior, on how I haven't learned to fight and whatever,” Fury said.

“Do you know what I've got to say to you Chris, a lot of people will look up to you and whatever. You did achieve some great things, but to downplay my achievements when I've dedicated my whole life to something and to try and say bad things, it's just not called for.

“Because the truth is you only won one belt in your division, I won five in mine, four heavyweight championships of the world and a Ring Magazine title and a Fighter of the Year.

“So when someone dedicates their full life to doing something and then to try and get that downplayed by someone who didn't achieve half as much, that's very disrespectful and very distasteful, but good luck in your life and your career.”

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Fury has not fought since winning the WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF titles in November 2015 by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, with the heavyweight boxer also being investigated by UK Anti-Doping [Ukad] over a fail drugs test last year. However, the 29-year-old is aiming to return to the ring and last week called out Bellew – whose rematch with David Haye next month as been postponed. The former cruiserweight world champion responded by accepting Fury’s challenge, admitting that he was tired of being accused of dodging bigger fighters.

But Bellew’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed on Wednesday that the fight is unlikely to be the next bout for the Liverpudlian as the rematch with Haye remains on the cards early next year.

“I believe you will see Bellew vs Fury in 2018 but it won't be the next one,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “My plan for Tony Bellew is to beat David Haye then fight Tyson Fury. By the time he beats Haye, the Fury [anti-doping hearing] situation may be in the clear.

“Tony has had discussions with Fury. We have had discussions. I spoke to Fury about that fight.

“Fury has joined up with [management company] MTK so we will speak to those guys about the fight.

“It's quite a simple deal but it's about timing of when the fight takes place.”