Hennessy: Sky's the limit for Fury

Promoter Mick Hennessy insists Tyson Fury remains on course to dethrone the Klitschko brothers after the heavyweight's dramatic Manchester homecoming.

Fury made a successful first defence of his Commonwealth title against Neven Pajkic, but not until the 34-year-old Canadian champion dealt a severe fright to his boisterous support.

"He wants the Klitschkos," said Hennessy. "So 18 months from now he'll beat the Klitschkos."

Despite only stopping five opponents in a perfect record of 16 professional wins before facing Fury and giving away almost two stones to his opponent in weight, Pajkic made a mockery of his reputation as a light puncher by dumping the Englishman to the canvas with a brutal overhand right in round two.

But the British champion responded to the first knockdown of his unblemished 17-fight career in devastating fashion, flooring Pajkic twice before forcing a conclusion 17 second from the end of the next session.

Fury regularly talks of heavyweight kings Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko being in his sights and, undaunted by his man's problems against Pajkic, Hennessy believes the 23-year-old can rule his division within a year and a half.

"He's just got to stop getting drawn into a gunfight and start being smart," he said.

"Once he does that he's the best heavyweight on the planet. I'd say we're probably about 16 months away.

"He's got a lot of work to do, but by the time he gets there in 16 months' time he'll be a different fighter.

"I honestly believe he could beat (WBA champion Alexander) Povetkin tomorrow. But he's looking bigger than that, he's better than that."