Tyson Fury record: He's beaten only one elite fighter?

Boxing superstar Tyson Fury will face Sweden's Otto Wallin on September 14 in Las Vegas.

Wallin, who boasts a record of 20-0, 8 KO, will be a tune-up for Tyson as the latter is likely to face the winner of Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz (November 23) early next year.

Tyson Fury claims to be boxing's lineal champion and some will insist his lackluster victory over then-reigning lineal champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 cements his argument.

Lackluster or not... boring or not... a win is still a win and Fury clearly deserved the nod.

Others contend Tyson doesn't merit the status of lineal champion due to his subsequent inactivity for 2 1/2 years following the win over Wladimir and a halfhearted retirement announcement during that time.

Regardless of his claimed status as the 'real and legit uncrowned champion,' many are calling him the best heavyweight in the world. And we'll be arguing about it for the next 6-8 months.

One thing detractors can point to is the Tyson Fury record. Sure, Fury is 28-0-1 with 20 KOs but boasts only one elite-level win (UD 12 Wladimir Klitschko).

Many believed he edged WBC Champion Deontay Wilder (then 40-0, 39 KO) despite the draw verdict rendered last December. And given Wilder's high status as top 2 undefeated heavyweight, then and now, Fury's performance against Wilder could certainly be used to further the assertion Tyson is the best in the world.

... But Fury, who was floored twice in that controversial fight, didn't win officially. So on paper he has only one win against an elite opponent.

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Tyson Fury
Record: 28-0-1, 20 KO
Most Significant Fights

Draw 12 Deontay Wilder 
Dec 1, 2018
Highlights

Won UD 12 Wladimir Klitschko 
Nov 28, 2015
Highlights

Won KO 10 Dereck Chisora 
Nov 29, 2014

Won KO 7 Steve Cunningham
Apr 20, 2013

Won UD 12 Kevin Johnson
Dec 1, 2012

Won UD 12 Dereck Chisora
Jul 23, 2011

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And yes, Dereck Chisora (31-9) is a quality Top 20 heavyweight but has never been elite a la Anthony Joshua, Kubrat Pulev, Alexander Povetkin, Luis Ortiz, Andy Ruiz or Dillian Whyte.

And sure, Steve Cunningham was an elite cruiserweight but never a top heavyweight.

Tyson Fury may very well be the best heavyweight in the world but his resume, wins-wise, isn't as strong as rivals Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder or Alexander Povetkin.

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Anthony Joshua
Record: 22-1, 21 KO
Most Significant Fights

Lost TKO 7 Andy Ruiz, Jr
Jun 1, 1019
Highlights

Won TKO 7 Alexander Povetkin
Sep 22, 2018

Won UD 12 Joseph Parker
Mar 31, 2018

Won TKO 11 Wladimir Klitschko
Apr 29, 2017

Won TKO 2 Charles Martin
Apr 9, 2016

Won TKO 7 Dillian Whyte
Dec 12, 2015
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Since Whyte wasn't elite at the time he fought AJ, we'll give Joshua credit for defeating three elite level opponents: Povetkin, Klitschko, and Parker.  And Wilder, the current WBC Champion, also boasts wins over three elite level opponents: Breazeale, Ortiz and Stiverne.

Deontay Wilder
WBC Heavyweight Champion
Record: 41-0-1; 40 KO
Most Significant Fights

And yes, Stiverne was a top heavyweight at the time of their first fight in 2015. In fact, he was the WBC Champion. And Breazeale, who was previously a blistering 20-1 with 18 KOs, is an ex Olympian who'd only lost to AJ upon facing Wilder in March.

Even if we exclude Breazeale, Arreola, at the time he fought Wilder, was more accomplished than anyone Fury has faced sans Wilder and Klitschko, of course.

Tyson Fury is clearly an elite-level heavyweight if not the best in the world. However, should he defeat Otto Wallin next week, he'll need to face - and beat - Wilder, Joshua, Ruiz, Pulev, Ortiz or Povetkin next to remain in the 'best heavyweight' conversation.