Tyson Fury claims he is the closest fighter to his ‘idol’ Muhammad Ali in the modern era

Tyson Fury believes he is the closest replica to Muhammad Ali since the boxing icon was at the top of his game. 

The British heavyweight grew up idolising Ali and thinks his fleet-footed style as a heavyweight is similar to that of the legendary American. 

Fury answered ten questions posed by Gary Neville for the Overlap Xtra and was asked who his idol was growing up. 

Tyson Fury answered some quickfire questions from Gary Neville on a variety of topics 

Fury replied: ‘Muhammad Ali, I used to watch and study and copy what he did. 

‘It’s difficult to compare because I’m heavy but I think I’m the closest thing we have today, I think I’m very unique, there has never been someone who is 19st 7lbs and can move around and box like he dis even though he was only 14 stone something.’

Neville also asked which city in the world means the most to the 33-year-old and why, to which he responded: ‘Manchester, because it is where I was born and raised, eventually one day I think I’ll end up back around there somewhere.’

When asked about the item he treasures most in the world, Fury said: ‘My bible, my uncle got it for me 14 years ago.

‘I’m not going to lie and say I read it every day because I don’t but it is always there in my bedside table.’

Neville asked what annoys Fury the most and he is incensed by friends dodging their rounds

And Fury had some pearls of wisdom when he was asked about which skill he would like to master most, initially saying he used to want to control time but now would simply have the ability to be happy. 

‘I’m happy to just let God control time. I just want to be happy, it sounds simple but is the hardest thing to ever find. 

‘Even in my happiest moments, I struggle finding that happy, happy place but all I ever want to be is to be happy. 

‘You could be doing whatever you want but do you take it in and think about being happy, I am happiest training, ticking over and everything is ok at home, if you’re happy at home you’re happy at work. As long as I can keep it good at home everything is smooth.’

Fury hasn’t fought since finally winning the WBC belt against Deontay Wilder in February 2020

And if you ever find yourself out drinking with Fury, make sure you don’t commit his pet peeve. 

When asked what winds him up the most, Fury said: ‘You know when you’re out with your mates and someone dodges a round, you always know, even if you’ve had a few, that is the most annoying thing in the world. 

‘We just start chanting “Gary get the round in”, and it’s embarrassing so they’ll do it.’

Fury is yet to fight since beating Deontay Wilder in their rematch in February 2020 and will take on the American for a third time on October 9.