Tyson Fury vs. Christian Hammer: Winner, Recap and Reaction

WBO international heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (24-0, 18 KO) easily defeated Christian Hammer (17-4) on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. Hammer didn't answer the bell for the ninth round and saved himself another four rounds of beating.

After the fight was over, Fury sang a London-flavored version of Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis." He probably won't be auditioning for American Idol or The Voice anytime soon, but he will likely face lineal heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

As BBC Sport mentions, Fury called out the heavyweight kingpin after his singing number:

If Fury's sharpness on Saturday was any indication of his readiness to face Klitschko, the 26-year-old, 6'9" giant looks fit for the challenge. Fury won every round and floored Hammer in the fifth frame.

A short right hand caught Hammer on top of the head and sent him to his knees. He didn't look hurt too badly, but the event seemed to seal Hammer's fate.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Fury used his length, footwork and superior hand speed to pick his overmatched opponent apart. Had the bout not been stopped, Fury might have won the decision in a shutout.

Sparring partner and former heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers complimented Fury's performance.

A fight with Klitschko is one of the biggest potential showdowns in the heavyweight division. Fury's combination of movement, height and skills is what makes the bout intriguing. He'd be one of the few opponents who actually have a length advantage against Klitschko.

That length advantage could negate some of the distance-keeping tactics Klitschko has employed during his monumental run as champion. Per the BoxNation broadcast, should Klitschko defeat Bryant Jennings at Madison Square Garden on April 25, the WBA Super, IBO, WBO and IBF champion could meet Fury in September.

There's also the possibility of facing WBC champion Deontay Wilder. The newly crowned American is undefeated, and he's stopped all but one of his opponents. His colorful personality and nationality would also make for a potentially lucrative opponent for Fury.

The future is not quite as bright for Saturday's loser.

Hammer is a journeyman heavyweight for the most part. He looked every bit the role on Saturday. Fury deserves credit for taking care of business, but Hammer clearly doesn't possess the skills needed to defeat any elite fighters in the heavyweight division.

At best, he could be a gatekeeper and moderate test for up-and-coming British contender Anthony Joshua somewhere down the line.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.