For years, Fury has struggled with a blood disorder causing a serious form of fatigue-inducing acne to develop on his skin, which his father Peter told WBN previously was now fully cleared up and is no longer hampering Hughie.
This fact could now be key to Hughie taking Parker’s title and following cousin Tyson Fury into British boxing folklore as two family members holding not only world heavyweight championships, but the same World Boxing Organisation strap.
Tyson ripped the WBO title from Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 before being stripped in order to allow Parker to contest the coveted crown, and Hughie now has the chance to bring it back to the bloodline and step out of his older cousin’s shadow.
Bookmakers are struggling to separate the pair ahead of the impending Manchester Arena battle, but with a home crowd of around 7,000 behind him, it seems to be Fury who holds all the aces.
Not known for his massive knockout power, Parker could struggle to take Fury down and out, meaning a decision could lie in the judges’ hands and the Fury family hold a 100% record in this top division department.
Even being away in Germany failed to halt Tyson’s defining run to the summit, with Hughie having everything in his favour to do similar to his long-time trainer partner. Hughie’s size, reach and awkwardness can upset Parker’s rhythm and leave the New Zealander frustrated in his attempts to score enough points.
Parker’s promoters and trainer Kevin Barry both admitted to WBN in the build-up that Fury would never have been a choice had the WBO not ordered the contest and Team Parker have looked anything but comfortable during fight week.
For my money, Fury on points seems a safe bet, although after the shenanigans of Gennady Golovkin v Canelo Alvarez last week in Vegas, I wouldn’t rule out a split decision draw either.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
