Dramatic Scenes in Budapest
Tommy Fury’s boxing comeback took a fiery turn as chaos erupted during his pre-fight face-off with opponent Kenan Hanjalic. The tense moment occurred in Budapest just 24 hours before their scheduled bout, turning an already anticipated return into headline news.
The former Love Island star, now an undefeated light heavyweight boxer, was visibly surprised when Hanjalic forcefully shoved him with both hands during the staredown. The crowd gasped. Security intervened. Cameras captured every second.
Fury’s Return Sparks Tensions
This was supposed to be a comeback celebration — Fury’s first match since defeating KSI in a pay-per-view grudge match in October 2023. But the incident adds another layer of drama, raising questions about mind games, personal tension, and whether Fury can maintain composure when the stakes are high.
The Heated Face-Off
What Happened at the Press Event
The face-off was set up as the final promotional event before Saturday’s fight in Budapest. Everything appeared cordial at first: the usual flexing, the staredown, a few verbal jabs. But things escalated quickly.
Without warning, Hanjalic shoved Fury with enough force to push him off balance. The incident stunned both the crowd and Fury’s camp. Video of the shove immediately circulated online, gaining thousands of views within minutes.
Hanjalic’s Aggressive Move Goes Viral
Clips of the altercation flooded Instagram and TikTok, with hashtags like #TommyFury and #FaceOffFightNight trending. Fans and pundits were quick to weigh in — some applauding the intensity, others accusing Hanjalic of showboating.
Some speculated the move was a calculated stunt designed to shake Fury’s focus or to gain media traction. Whatever the reason, it worked. All eyes are now on this matchup.
Fury’s Calm Response
Despite the aggression, Fury kept his cool. Speaking moments later, he simply replied, “We’ll see tomorrow night.” That calm under pressure may work in his favor come fight night. His composure has impressed both fans and boxing insiders, who see it as a sign of his growing maturity in the sport.
Who is Kenan Hanjalic?
Background and Record
Kenan Hanjalic may not yet be a household name, but he’s no amateur. The Bosnian boxer has a growing reputation for being physically aggressive in the ring and mentally tactical outside of it. With a record of 11 wins and 2 losses, he presents a serious test for Fury.
Fighting Style and Strategy
Known for his orthodox stance and counterpunching power, Hanjalic thrives in close-range exchanges. His shove at the face-off might be a preview of what’s to come — an all-pressure, no-holds-barred approach in the ring.
Analysts say Hanjalic’s best shot is to pressure Fury early and force mistakes. Whether that strategy will work or backfire remains to be seen.
Fury’s Comeback Journey
Recap of Victory Over KSI
Fury’s last fight — a hotly anticipated clash with YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI — ended in a controversial points decision in Fury’s favor. Though the win boosted his profile, critics questioned his form and fitness.
Still, it marked a major moment: Fury had officially stepped beyond reality TV fame and into legitimate boxing success.
Injury, Surgery, and Recovery in 2024
2024 was a turbulent year for Fury. A recurring hand injury forced him out of the ring for several months, culminating in corrective surgery. The downtime also brought personal challenges, including speculation about his relationship and fitness.
But now in 2025, Fury claims he’s back and better than ever. “26 years young today,” he recently wrote on Instagram. “Feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time.”
New Goals for 2025
With health on his side and a point to prove, Fury is targeting a bigger 2025 — including more international fights and possibly even title contention. But to achieve that, he must first get past Hanjalic.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Fan Divides Over the Shove
The face-off altercation ignited a firestorm online, as fans quickly took sides. On Twitter, users blasted Hanjalic for being unprofessional, with some calling his shove “disrespectful” and “a cheap attempt at getting inside Fury’s head.” Others, however, praised the incident as “pure entertainment” and “exactly what boxing needs to hype a card.”
Instagram comment sections were ablaze. One fan wrote, “This ain’t WWE, bro — that shove was a low move,” while another posted, “Hanjalic’s not messing around. Fury better be ready for war.”
The online buzz also revived debate over showmanship versus sportsmanship in combat sports. While pre-fight antics are common in boxing, physical aggression outside the ring is still widely frowned upon by purists. Yet, from a promotional perspective, the shove gave this fight far more visibility than it had days before.
Reactions from Other Boxers and Promoters
The incident didn’t go unnoticed by other names in the boxing world. Tyson Fury, Tommy’s older brother and heavyweight champion, posted a cryptic story on Instagram: “Stay cool under fire, little bro.” It was a clear show of support for Tommy’s composed reaction.
Promoters and trainers have also weighed in. Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn said, “Face-offs are meant to build excitement, but there’s a line. What we saw was a bit over the top — but it sure got people talking.”
Meanwhile, UFC star Conor McGregor reposted the video, writing, “Sell the fight, then win it. That’s the game.” As usual, McGregor’s take blurred the lines between violence and marketing — but it echoed what many are now thinking: the shove may have been calculated to draw more viewers.
Fight Night Expectations
What’s at Stake for Fury
This isn’t just a comeback bout — it’s a statement fight. Tommy Fury enters the ring undefeated, with both pressure and promise on his shoulders. A dominant win over Hanjalic would solidify his progression from reality TV personality to legitimate contender. It would also keep him in the conversation for higher-profile matches later in 2025.
However, a loss — especially to a fighter perceived as a step down from KSI — could seriously damage his credibility and derail his ambitions. This fight is less about rankings and more about reputation.
Fury himself has acknowledged the stakes. “I’ve got everything to prove,” he said during media week. “I’m not just fighting Hanjalic. I’m fighting to show the world I belong in this sport.”
Possible Career Implications
A win opens up several doors. With crossover fights still trending, Fury could chase bouts with names like Logan Paul or even rematches with KSI or Jake Paul. Alternatively, a strong performance could finally push him toward a sanctioned title bout against a ranked light heavyweight.
Loss, however, would be a major setback. It could reduce interest in big-money matchups and make promoters question his ability to draw. For Fury, the margin for error is razor thin.
Where and When to Watch the Fight
Streaming Info and Main Card Time
The Tommy Fury vs. Kenan Hanjalic fight takes place tonight in Budapest, Hungary. The main event ring walk is expected around 10:30 PM local time (9:30 PM BST / 4:30 PM EST), depending on the pace of earlier bouts.
The fight is being streamed live on DAZN and select pay-per-view platforms internationally. UK and US fans can purchase access through the official DAZN website or app, with pricing starting at £9.99 / $14.99.
Pre-fight coverage begins at 7 PM local time, including analysis, interviews, and undercard fights.
Undercard Details
The undercard features several promising matchups, including:
- Adam Kovacs vs. Jan Novak – A regional light heavyweight contest.
- Daniella “The Dragon” Szabo vs. Katarina Leal – An exciting women’s bantamweight battle.
- Mate Dudas vs. Ivan Marko – A clash of local heavyweight prospects.
Promoters expect the crowd in Budapest to be electric, with the venue close to selling out just days after the face-off altercation went viral.
Conclusion
Tommy Fury’s boxing return was already a headline event — now, it’s a must-watch moment in combat sports. The dramatic shove from Kenan Hanjalic during their pre-fight face-off turned a routine media event into a viral sensation, setting the stage for what could be Fury’s most defining fight yet.
With his undefeated record on the line, a renewed sense of focus, and a global audience watching, Fury has a chance to step further into the spotlight — not as a reality star, but as a true boxing contender. His ability to keep his cool amid the chaos has earned respect, but what happens in the ring tonight will determine everything.
FAQs
Why was Tommy Fury shoved?
Tommy Fury was shoved during the pre-fight face-off by his opponent, Kenan Hanjalic, in what appeared to be an attempt to provoke or intimidate him before the fight.
When is the Fury vs. Hanjalic fight?
The fight is scheduled for tonight, with ring walks expected around 10:30 PM local time (9:30 PM BST / 4:30 PM EST).
Where is the fight taking place?
The bout is taking place in Budapest, Hungary.
What is Tommy Fury’s boxing record?
As of this fight, Tommy Fury is undefeated with a professional record of 10 wins and 0 losses.
Who is Kenan Hanjalic?
Kenan Hanjalic is a professional boxer from Bosnia with an 11-2 record, known for his aggressive fighting style and physical approach.
