STAGING an open-air world heavyweight title fight in this country three weeks before Christmas Day seems as daft as putting an ice rink in the middle of the Sahara desert.
I was one of many who thought promoter Frank Warren had taken leave of his senses when he announced Tyson Fury would defend his WBC belt against Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 3.
It didn’t appear feasible that anyone – other than the most die-hard fans – would pay £1,000 to sit ringside and brave the possibility of a freezing cold, wet night to watch Fury against a man he’s already beaten twice.
But Warren’s faith in Fury’s ability to draw a crowd whatever the time of year, or weather, has been fully vindicated.
Frank told me an incredible 58,000 tickets have already been snapped up and he’s confident he will have a 62,000 sell-out.