John Fury has identified German heavyweight prospect Granit Shala as the “new Tyson Fury,” claiming the 18-2 fighter possesses the same elusive movement and ring craft that defined his son’s rise to the top of the division.
Speaking on social media on June 17, 2026, the patriarch of the Fury family expressed his shock at Granit Shala’s ability after studying footage of the heavyweight, suggesting he had finally found a successor to the “Gypsy King.”
The endorsement comes at a pivotal time for the heavyweight division, which is currently anticipating a massive Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua bout reportedly penciled in for late 2026.
John Fury was so impressed by Shala’s technical prowess that he revealed he intends to recruit the German prospect as a sparring partner for Tyson Fury’s upcoming training camps. He described the discovery as a rare find that he never expected to see in the current boxing climate.
John Fury’s praise centered on Granit Shala’s agility despite carrying extra weight, a trait that famously allowed Tyson Fury to outmaneuver more athletic-looking opponents throughout his career. “I’ve looked at his videos and his boxing ability, and this kid is incredible,” John Fury stated.
He noted that Shala belongs to the “fat camp” but possesses a style nearly identical to a younger version of the heavyweight champion.
John Fury praises Granit Shala as a future champion
The comparison to Tyson Fury is not one John Fury makes lightly, given his consistent criticism of many modern heavyweights. He admitted that Granit Shala’s skills “shocked him to his boots,” prompting an immediate desire to share the discovery with his son.
The elder Fury believes Shala is a future heavyweight champion of the world based on the ring intelligence and footwork displayed in his recent performances.
While the heavyweight scene is currently focused on established stars, Jarrell Miller backs Filip Hrgovic and other contenders to remain relevant, John Fury’s focus has shifted significantly toward the German prospect. He emphasized that finding such talent in “unlikely places” is a testament to the depth of the division when scouts look beyond the mainstream promotional banners.
Analyzing the professional record of Granit Shala
Despite the high-profile endorsement, Granit Shala’s recent track record shows he is still a work in progress on the international stage. He currently holds a professional record of 18 wins and 2 losses, with his most recent outing ending in a disappointing stoppage defeat. In April, Shala was stopped in the final round by Petar Milas in Oberhausen, Germany.
The loss was particularly stinging because Granit Shala was reportedly ahead on the official scorecards at the time of the knockout. That fight took place on the undercard of Agit Kabayel’s win over Damian Knyba. John Fury, however, appears to look past the result, focusing instead on the technical nuances Shala showed before the fatigue or lapse in concentration cost him the fight.
Shala’s weight has been a talking point, but John Fury views the prospect’s recent weight loss as a sign of dedication. He noted that Shala has already shed significant pounds, drawing another parallel to Tyson Fury’s well-documented physical transformations.
To John Fury, the ability to box at a high level while out of peak condition is a hallmark of natural talent that can be refined in a world-class training environment.
Comparing Granit Shala and Moses Itauma
The emergence of Granit Shala as John Fury’s preferred prospect creates an interesting contrast with the rise of British star Moses Itauma. While Tyson Fury has trained with Moses Itauma in multiple camps, the champion has been more cautious about titles of succession.
Tyson Fury recently dismissed the idea of fighting the 21-year-old “kid” unless the financial reward was overwhelming, preferring to focus on his own legacy.
John Fury has also weighed in on Moses Itauma, though his tone was more protective. He previously warned that it might be too early for Itauma to step into the ring with dangerous heavyweights like Daniel Dubois. This makes his sudden and enthusiastic backing of Granit Shala even more striking, as he seems convinced Shala is ready for the highest level of mentorship immediately.
The potential for Granit Shala to join the Fury camp as a sparring partner could be a turning point for the German’s career. Exposure to Tyson Fury’s preparation and the tactical mind of SugarHill Steward would likely address the late-round vulnerabilities Shala showed in the Petar Milas fight.
For John Fury, the goal is clear: to mold the man he sees as his son’s physical and technical heir.
The impact on the heavyweight landscape
John Fury’s public declaration puts a spotlight on Granit Shala that the prospect has never experienced. In a division where “the next big thing” is often a label reserved for undefeated power punchers, Fury is advocating for a different archetype—the slick, cerebral boxer. This endorsement could lead to bigger promotional opportunities for Shala across Europe and the Middle East.
As the boxing world monitors Oleksandr Usyk and brain health concerns following recent slugfests, the emphasis on “hit and don’t get hit” styles remains paramount. John Fury believes Shala fits this mold perfectly.
Whether Shala can live up to the “new Tyson Fury” moniker remains to be seen, but with the backing of the Fury family, his path to the top has suddenly become much shorter.
The next steps for Granit Shala will likely involve a move to the United Kingdom or a formal invite to Morecambe. John Fury’s insistence that he “never thought he’d see” another fighter like his son suggests that the German heavyweight is about to become a frequent fixture in the Fury inner circle as they prepare for the defining bouts of Tyson’s career.
