Multiple-time boxing World Champion Tyson Fury was scheduled to visit Thailand recently, and ONE Light Heavyweight and interim Heavyweight World Champion Anatoly Malykhin made it known that he was welcome to spar with him during his trip. “Sladkiy” is currently based in Phuket, Thailand, one of two cities that Fury was scheduled to spend time in while in the country.

That session didn’t materialize, but the Russian giant shared his reasoning for calling out the British boxer while watching the action go down at ONE Fight Night 11 on Prime Video this past weekend.

Anatoly Malykhin wanted a motivational spar with Tyson Fury for his Arjan Bhullar bout

“Because there can only be one knockout king in Phuket, and that’s me (laughs). No, in reality, I’d really like to spar with Tyson. Maybe, teach him a little bit of wrestling. I know a thing or two about it,” Malykhin told ONE Championship. “Sladkiy” is currently preparing to meet Arjan Bhullar in a ONE Heavyweight World Championship unification match at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23rd.

The Russian powerhouse will look to add to his 4-0 ONE record in the heated affair, and he says training with Fury would have been a good confidence booster for him.

READ MORE –  “Remember My Name” – Regian Eersel Continues to Build Legacy With Victory at ONE Fight Night 11

“To share the ring with a legend like Tyson before the fight with Arjan would fill me with power – it would inspire me. I don’t think we’d be working at our full strength, so it wouldn’t be that dangerous. Although, having said that, he’s got 130 kg of weight on him, [so] you’d have to be moving seriously fast to keep him out,” Malykhin said.

Anatoly Malykhin was capable enough to defeat Arjan Bhullar without Tyson Fury’s help

Despite not meeting with the boxing superstar, the 35-year-old knockout artist is still confident of his chances against Bhullar. After multiple delays to their battle, Malykhin made claims that the heavyweight king was afraid to face him, and he still maintains that belief.

READ MORE – “It Will Be My Pleasure to Give You a…”: Fabricio Andrade Responds to Kwon Won Il With a Stern Warning

“I think I can handle the chicken without Tyson Fury’s help. My own tricks would be enough for Arjan,” he said.