Tyson Fury vs Francesco Pianeta: Five things Gypsy King must do to to prove he is ready for Deontay Wilder title shot

But first, he must get past the relative unknown Francesco Pianeta.

Fury made his comeback to the sport after a 32-month absence, easily disposing of Sefer Seferi after four one-sided rounds back in June.

That performance, despite the victory, didn't go down well with many boxing critics, as Fury put on a show more in tune with a circus than a Frank Warren card.

But now things are about to get real, with a shot at WBC king Wilder in the offing.

Here are five things Fury HAS to show in the ring on Saturday night.


Get the jab back

This is something Fury clearly hasn't lost, as it led him all the way to that sensational victory for the world title against Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015.

But he hardly had to use it in his comeback victory against Seferi.

If Fury gets this going against Pianeta, and regularly, the Italian wouldn't be able to live past six.

Less using it as a push-back and more as controlled aggression and chinks of the old Tyson would be back.

Be professional

OK, Seferi was LEVELS below Fury and that's even with the Gypsy King coming into that fight off the back of almost three years out.

But there were boos at the end – many directed at Seferi after he threw in the towel – but many at the circus that went on in the ring.

Fury hugged and danced his way to victory – clearly his promoter and trainers wanted to see a bit more style to his showing.

If Fury treats Pianeta as a Wilder, everyone in the stadium will go home happy.

Listen to his corner

Fury knows how to win, and he knows how not to get hurt.

But for all the talk about how quickly he had picked stuff up ahead of the Seferi fight, he did exactly what he wanted in the ring.

Hopefully, Pianeta can offer some resistance in the ring.

Then Ben Davison and the rest of Fury’s corner can coach their man through things he hasn’t experienced for some time.

Don’t goad Wilder

Fury has insisted in the lead-up to this fight that he isn’t looking past Pianeta.

But with Deontay Wilder ringside, the man Fury is said to be close to agreeing to fight before 2018 is done, he could well be distracted.

Fury spent most of the Seferi victory looking out to the crowd, so easy was what was going on in the ring.

Boxing fans will want Wilder seated and quiet and Fury to concentrate on showcasing his skills come Saturday night.

When the result is read out, then get Wilder in the ring. But when Fury is fighting, keep the camera away.

Take criticism on the chin

Yes, he had been out of the ring for 32 months, and yes you can only beat what is put in front of you.

But after Eddie Hearn claimed to have laughed when Fury gave him five fights to make, we should have known what we were getting with Seferi.

Fury and his promoter Frank Warren acted as though a dagger had been plunged into the hearts when boxing writers across the board criticised the big comeback.

It was certainly more a criticism of just what was the point in Seferi getting his chance, but also that Fury should have got the job done sooner.

Nobody liked seeing what went on for four painful rounds.

It might not “get the money’s” worth, but a quick Fury KO against Pianeta – IF the opportunity to do so is there – would be met by thunderous applause.

As it would have been in the Seferi fight.

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