Keeping up with the locals: Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury defeats Rich Power of San Diego

In front of a boisterous crowd at the historic York Hall in London, England, Tyson Furyscored a decisive victory over a local heavyweight, Rich Power, who does his training at The Arena Boxing Gym in San Diego.

For the San Diegan’s who want to watch Saturday’s fight, it will be aired Monday at 10 p.m. on Showtime’s ShoBox. Fury, England’s heavyweight hopeful, won a lopsided but exciting eight-round decision over Power with a shutout score of 80-72.

In England, fights are scored by a single referee as opposed to the more popular three-judge panel elsewhere. At only 22, their six-foot-nine giant (12-0, 9 KO’s), of Manchester, England, is showing much promise by sticking people with his long jab and then landing the big right hands.

Though clearly outmatched, Power (12-1, 9 KO’s), who grew up in Keego Harbour, Michigan, displayed tremendous mettle throughout. Visibly exhausted in the final rounds, he never showed any sign of giving up.

Tyson Fury, the pride of England is a big, big man.

“Power was a bit more awkward than I expected,” said Fury. “He was slipping and sliding all over the place but I handled him well enough to win each round.”

“When I weighed in at 221, I knew I was in trouble,” said Power, who was outweighed by at least 40 pounds. “But I refused to give up and I think I proved to his crowd that I have heart and desire. I love to fight.”

Power’s last big push for a momentum swing came in the sixth round when he landed a devastating uppercut that knocked Fury’s mouthpiece out. However, that punch only seemed to infuriate the big guy, who responded with even more hard blows.

ShoBox returns this coming Friday, September 17th, at 11 p.m. with world-ranked welterweight Freddy Hernandez taking on former WBO champion “Mighty” Mike Anchondo in the main event from Primm, Nevada.

Al Bernstein does a good job of calling the action at ringside. Steve Farhood serves as his analyst.