Tyson Fury, widely known as “The Gypsy King”, has built a reputation as one of the most resilient and dominant heavyweight boxers in modern history. With his towering 6 ft 9 in frame, elusive movement, and exceptional boxing IQ, Fury has achieved victories over some of the toughest opponents in the sport, including Deontay Wilder, Wladimir Klitschko, and most recently, Oleksandr Usyk.

Yet, like every great fighter, Fury’s career has not been without moments of vulnerability. He has been dropped, rocked, and questioned. Beyond the bright lights of professional boxing, his amateur career also carried moments where opponents felt they had exposed chinks in his armor.

One such opponent is Michael Hunter, a talented American fighter who once battled Fury in the amateur ranks. Hunter has boldly claimed that he nearly knocked Fury out during their encounter, insisting that he had him “out on his feet.”

Michael Hunter vs Tyson Fury: The Forgotten Amateur Clash

Back in 2006, long before Tyson Fury was crowned lineal heavyweight champion, he took part in a UK vs USA boxing match against Michael “The Bounty Hunter” Hunter. At that time, both fighters were highly regarded amateurs, eager to prove themselves on the international stage.

The bout ended in a decision win for Fury. However, Hunter has always maintained that the result did not tell the full story. According to him, the fight should have been stopped in his favor because Fury was hurt and barely standing.

Hunter recalled in a 2024 interview:
“I almost had him knocked out. I had him out on his feet. Obviously, he was standing up, so they gave him the victory.”

This bold statement has reignited debate among boxing fans, raising the question: Was Tyson Fury truly vulnerable during his amateur days, or is Hunter exaggerating his success in the ring?

Hunter’s Side of the Story: “He Never Showed Up for the Rematch”

Michael Hunter not only believes he deserved the win, but he also claims Fury avoided him afterward.

He explained that there was supposed to be a rematch scheduled just days later, but Fury never appeared.
Hunter said:
“We were supposed to fight again a couple of days later, but he never showed up; he just quit. They always do that. Pull out.”

This accusation adds fuel to the long-running discussion about Fury’s willingness to take risks outside of the professional spotlight. While Fury has repeatedly proven himself against the best in the world as a pro, Hunter’s words suggest that “The Gypsy King” once had his doubts in the amateurs.

Michael Hunter: The Bounty Hunter’s Journey in Boxing

To understand the credibility of Hunter’s claim, it’s important to look at his career.

Michael Hunter, nicknamed “The Bounty Hunter,” is an accomplished American boxer who has competed at cruiserweight and heavyweight. Known for his stamina, work rate, and technical skills, Hunter gave Oleksandr Usyk one of his toughest fights at cruiserweight in 2017, ultimately losing on points but earning respect for his effort.

Hunter’s professional career has included fights against respected heavyweights such as Alexander Povetkin and Martin Bakole, solidifying him as a dangerous operator in the division. Given his pedigree, it’s not far-fetched to believe that he had the skills to trouble Tyson Fury during their amateur clash.

Tyson Fury’s Moments of Vulnerability in the Professional Ranks

Although Fury is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation, his professional career has shown instances where he was vulnerable, supporting Hunter’s claims that even the “invincible” Gypsy King can be rocked.

Against Steve Cunningham (2013): Fury was dropped in the second round by a smaller cruiserweight-turned-heavyweight before rallying back to secure a knockout win. 

Against Deontay Wilder (2018 & 2021): Fury was floored multiple times across their trilogy, most memorably in the 12th round of their first fight when he miraculously rose from a brutal right hand-left hook combination. 

Against Oleksandr Usyk (2024): Fury was nearly stopped in the ninth round when Usyk unleashed a devastating flurry of punches that had the referee considering intervention. Fury barely survived the round and went on to lose by split decision.

These examples prove that while Fury has incredible resilience and recovery skills, he is not untouchable.

Was Tyson Fury Really “Out on His Feet”?

The phrase “out on his feet” in boxing refers to a fighter who is badly hurt, still standing, but effectively defenseless. Michael Hunter insists this was the state Fury was in during their 2006 bout.

While no official video footage has surfaced to confirm the claim, the story has gained traction because it fits with the narrative that Fury, even in his prime, has shown susceptibility to power punches. The lack of a rematch also raises eyebrows, though Fury’s camp may argue that scheduling conflicts or priorities prevented it.

Tyson Fury’s Rise Despite Amateur Setbacks

Regardless of what may have happened in 2006, the fact remains that Tyson Fury overcame any early vulnerabilities to carve out a legendary career. His amateur background, including the loss in the 2006 World Junior Championships final and his missed Olympic opportunity in 2008, fueled his hunger for success as a professional.

Fury’s resilience, unique boxing style, and sheer willpower have helped him rise from adversity, both inside and outside the ring. His comeback from a three-year layoff, during which he battled personal struggles, remains one of the most inspirational stories in sports.

Michael Hunter vs. Tyson Fury: Could It Happen Again?

The idea of a professional bout between Michael Hunter and Tyson Fury has intrigued boxing fans for years. While Fury has pursued mega-fights with Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Wilder, Hunter has often found himself overlooked despite his skills.

In reality, the likelihood of the two facing off as professionals is slim. Fury is now nearing the twilight of his career, and Hunter has struggled to secure high-profile fights in recent years. However, Hunter’s claim ensures that their amateur encounter will live on in boxing folklore.

The Legacy of Tyson Fury: Beyond Controversy

Even if Michael Hunter’s account is accurate, it does little to tarnish the overall legacy of Tyson Fury. All great champions have moments of weakness, but what defines them is their ability to recover and rise to greatness.

Fury’s victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, and his epic rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk have already cemented his place among the best heavyweights of the modern era. Whether or not he belongs in the top five heavyweights of all time remains a hotly debated topic, but his impact on the sport is undeniable.

Hunter’s Claim Adds Another Chapter to the Fury Myth

Michael Hunter’s statement that he had Tyson Fury “out on his feet” adds another fascinating layer to the story of The Gypsy King. It highlights the unpredictable nature of boxing, where even future champions can be humbled in their early days.

While the truth of that amateur clash may never be fully confirmed, it reflects an important lesson: greatness is not built on perfection, but on overcoming adversity. Tyson Fury’s career exemplifies this, as he continues to fight, recover, and prove why he remains one of the most captivating figures in heavyweight boxing.