Tyson Fury announces deal to manage heavyweight prospect Aleksei Dronov

Tyson Fury has announced that he will manage Russian heavyweight prospect Aleksei Dronov, backing the 24-year-old to become a world champion.

The former heavyweight champion revealed the arrangement in a video posted on the Furocity TikTok channel.

“I have just signed the next heavyweight champion of the world, Aleksei Dronov,” Fury said, in comments reported by Boxing News.

Dronov trains under SugarHill Steward, who has also coached Fury.

Who is Aleksei Dronov?

The Russian southpaw won super-heavyweight gold at the 2018 World Youth Championships and Youth Olympic Games.

His association with Fury predates the management announcement.

talkSPORT reported in September that Fury had been helping Dronov with training drills in the United States. Dronov also previously worked as a sparring partner during Fury’s preparations to face Oleksandr Usyk.

The management agreement adds a formal role to that existing relationship, with Fury now saying he will guide the younger heavyweight’s career.

Fury prepares for Joshua fight

Fury is also preparing for his own meeting with Anthony Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 11 December.

His announcement did not specify Dronov’s next opponent or fight date.

Fury’s prediction of a future world title represents his assessment of Dronov’s potential, rather than an announcement of a championship opportunity.