Tyson Fury’s famous first fight with Deontay Wilder saw him knocked down twice in front of millions, only to stand up and keep fighting.
Many were stunned, especially in the final round, by the ‘Gypsy King’ ability to stand up and keep going, but it wasn’t the first time he had touched the canvas.
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Fury was a popular rising heavyweight
Few know of Fury’s debut in the United States against Steve Cunningham in 2013, when the American toppled the Briton.
But few are aware of his 2011 Commonwealth title fight at 23, when he faced Neven Pajkic.
In his 17th professional game only, Fury faced the undefeated Canadian who was also 16-0 before the first bell.
The first round saw the shorter man give the big favorite at home some trouble, but it was in the second round that the action really started.
Fury was down in the second round
Pajkic threw an overhand right that the inexperienced Fury just couldn’t see coming.
It sent him crashing back onto the canvas, falling onto his back.
Fury looked shocked more than anything and wasn’t badly hurt.
He got to his feet and struggled against the bell.
Then, in the next round, Fury returned the favor by placing Pajkic twice and forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.
The Briton finally stood up and won by TKO
Fury said after the fight, “Yeah, I got scared for a second.
“As I have always said, heavyweights are heavyweights. He got me with a good blow, a blow to the chin.
“I got down, I got up, I stopped him.
“I would say it shows a true champion to get knocked down like that and get back up.”
