Ex-world champions tell Tommy Fury who to fight next and ‘earn a lump of money’

Tommy Fury silenced his critics in credible fashion on Sunday after overcoming a late scare in Saudi Arabia to beat Jake Paul via split decision.

‘TNT’ proved too explosive for ‘The Problem Child’ over eight rounds and deservedly had his hand raised in Riyadh. No sooner was the win confirmed before figures from across the boxing world offered their two cents on Fury’s future moves, and Liam Smith left little room for sentiment in his analysis.

“Two absolute novices,” tweeted the former WBO light-middleweight champion. “Thank f*** the one who’s classed as a boxer won. Hard on Tommy cos his Fury name, but, he should stick in that market with Jake n Logan Paul, KSI, all that type of misfits boxing and earn a lump of money.”

READ MORE: Jake Paul lists excuses for Tommy Fury loss but insists ‘I’m not making excuses’

Whom do you think Tommy Fury should fight next after beating Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments section.

Paul, 26, came up short in his first official showdown against an active professional boxer, while Fury lived up to his family name in a high-energy display. The American said in the aftermath that he felt he deserved the rematch, to which Fury appeared open.

Sunday’s loser listed an arm injury and illness as two particular factors that held him back during his camp, though he insisted he ‘wasn’t making excuses’.

Fury, 23, was presented with an ‘all or nothing’ contract to take both fighters’ prize money on the eve of the fight, though there’s no confirmation as to whether the deal was signed after Paul accused the enemy camp of going “silent as a mouse.”

Former WBC flyweight champion Charlie Edwards was more complimentary of Fury in the immediate aftermath of his ninth straight win. The Londoner gave TNT his dues on Twitter after one user suggested his previous comments didn’t praise the prospect enough.

“I am totally giving him credit mate! I take my hat off to him,” wrote Edwards. “23 with the whole world watching and the pressure of having a new born baby. Got to give him credit. But still be realistic about becoming a world champion. He should just keep fighting these [fights] and getting payed (sic).”

WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury—Tommy’s half-brother—was in attendance at the Diriyah Arena and ran into a former foe of his own in Deontay Wilder. ‘The Gypsy King’ dominated the duo’s trilogy to retain his unblemished record, but a potential fourth fight between the pair has been touted amid rumours Fury’s meeting with Oleksandr Usyk could be at risk of collapsing.

As for TNT, it appears the youngest member of the Fury brood will hand Paul an opportunity to redeem himself as the rivalry rages on. Beyond that, a potential date against KSI could be in the offing after the YouTuber tweeted on Sunday that he would ‘destroy’ both Fury and Paul.

Fury was asked about the potential bout in his post-fight press conference and appeared interested, with dad John suggesting a return to Saudi Arabia could be on the cards.

“KSI can sit in his seat in London and say what he wants. Sparring isn’t fighting. If KSI wants to entertain a fight, I will take that no problem. He is no Jake Paul,” the ex-Love Island star said.

READ NEXT: