‘I need someone smaller’ – Tyson Fury jokes about Wayne Rooney fight ahead of Oleksandr Usyk shock after football legend’s call for knighthood

Tyson Fury has reacted to Wayne Rooney’s call for a knighthood by suggesting the soccer legend help him prepare to fight Oleksandr Usyk.

The Gypsy King extended his boxing record to 33-0-1 last weekend with a dominating display against Derek Chisora, whom he beat for the third time in London on Saturday night.

Rooney was one of 60,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the trilogy fight and was quick to praise the 34-year-old fighter after his tenth-round stoppage victory.

The England, Manchester United and Everton icon thinks it’s time Fury was knighted for his services to boxing.

“I think he’s the best we’ve seen in a long time, and I don’t think anyone will beat him,” Rooney told talkSPORT after the fight.

“I think he’s an absolute legend for what he’s done for boxing. He’s entertaining, his skills are amazing, his mentality is amazing.

“If I’m being honest, I probably think he should be knighted because he wasn’t afraid to go overseas, he won titles overseas, defended them overseas. stranger and he epitomizes everything boxing is about.”

The WBC heavyweight king was delighted to get such praise from Rooney who jokingly suggested he could be one of his sparring partners ahead of his undisputed bout with Usyk.

“Wayne Rooney is a true legend, and I grew up watching him as a youngster for England and [Manchester] United. So it’s [an] amazing, amazing speech from him,” Fury told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“He’s a huge boxing fan, he also comes from a family of boxers. So hopefully we can have some free time in the future. I need someone smaller to prepare me for Usyk. Wayne, if you’re listening, turn on the wind tunnel, son!

Although he appreciated Rooney’s kind words, Fury explained why he wasn’t really interested in receiving a knighthood or any other kind of honor from the royal family.

“As dumb and weird as it may seem to people, I’m really happy with who I am,” he added.

“I am the champion of the people. I don’t really need an accolade, award, or promotion to let me know who I am, what I do, or who I am on the inside. I know I don’t really need an affirmation to say, “Oh, he’s a gentleman or whatever.”

Rooney may be the first big name to be called into Fury’s knighthood, but many more could follow, especially if he manages to become the first four-belt champion in heavyweight history next year.