Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Who would win?

[Firebat]

This is surely going to be one of the biggest boxing blockbusters in a long while (whenever it happens).

They've started trading verbal blows in the aftermath of Joshua's win over Pulev last night. AJ was quite calm and conservative with his words about Fury, while Fury was the complete opposite, calling AJ out and saying he'd knock him out within 3 rounds:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyfjoshua?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anthonyfjoshua</a> it’s a matter of time..... I’ll spank you like I did <a href="https://twitter.com/BronzeBomber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BronzeBomber</a> 2/3 rounds. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YOUBUMSOSER?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YOUBUMSOSER</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/letsgetiton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#letsgetiton</a> <a href="https://t.co/7m8A8Je0ui">pic.twitter.com/7m8A8Je0ui</a></p>— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyson_Fury/status/1337906555581325312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Anthony Joshua has welcomed Tyson Fury's claim he will beat the unified champion of the world "inside three rounds" and says he feels his British rival will "bring out the best in me".

Joshua, 31, knocked out Kubrat Pulev in round nine on Saturday to increase hope he could fight Fury next.

"I want the fight next. I can't wait to knock him out," WBC champion Fury said in a video posted on social media.

"That's good to hear," Joshua said. "At least I can get him in the ring."

"That's what we want right, so he's on the right track," Joshua told BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing in his changing room.

Social media is rife with the Fury vs AJ debate. Who do you think will win when they eventually fight? Discuss and vote above.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua's KO win over Kubrat Pulev labelled as 'strange' by rival Dillian Whyte

Anthony Joshua was "trapped between two different styles" in his victory over Kubrat Pulev, says Dillian Whyte.

Joshua floored Pulev in the third round but had to wait until the ninth to secure a brutal knockout to retain his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.

Whyte was at ringside to watch Joshua inch closer to a dream fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury but wasn't convinced by his old rival.

"It was a strange performance," Whyte told Sky Sports.

"Don't get me wrong, he did well. He got the job done.

"But strange because he was like he was trapped between two different styles.

"What got him the victory was going back to the old him and being aggressive.

"It was a good performance but he could have made easier work of it. He let Pulev hang around longer than he needed to.

"Pulev is a very tough man. I was surprised he got up - but then Joshua let him back into the fight in rounds four, five and six.

"He was having success at mid to close range but kept going to long range for no reason. I didn't understand.

"Maybe he just wanted to show something different. With the Fury fight, maybe he wanted to show a different side to his game."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...ev-labelled-as-strange-by-rival-dillian-whyte

 

[shaykh]

Anyone who thinks AJ stands a chance has been smoking something potent...

 

[ElRaja]

josh still needs to fight wilder, the ecnomics and brit factor means this will happen but imo wilder joshua is a more justified fight at the moment.

 

[Robert]

Fury is the more mobile and clever boxer, while Joshua the fitter and big puncher.

I think Fury’s strategy should be stay back and win on points, while AJ wants to go forward and land that big uppercut early and stop Fury.

But I don’t think Fury has ever been KO’d.

 

[Suleiman]

If Ruiz can fluke one vs Joshua, Fury will beat him too.

 

[Saj]

I feel that a lot of Joshua's opponents have been average.

Fury would be favourite surely.

 

[finalfantasy7]

2 fools have already voted for joshua above but haven't left a comment

this match up will be as bad as mayweather / pacman.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury: Talks over fight could take just two days - Eddie Hearn

Talks to agree a bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury for 2021 could take just "a couple of days" to be completed, promoter Eddie Hearn says.

Joshua's knockout of Kubrat Pulev on Saturday has set up the prospect of a clash between the British rivals.

Negotiations start on Monday and it could be the first fight in history for all four heavyweight titles.

"There is no reason we cannot complete the deal and then move on and solve the other problems," Hearn said.

WBC world heavyweight champion Fury has been installed as an odds-on favourite to beat IBF, WBA and WBO belt holder Joshua if they fight next.

Asked how long realistically it would take to complete the deal, Hearn replied: "A couple of days.

"We need to write to the governing bodies and say yes we have a deal and we will now talk to the various sites and confirm the dates shortly for what I suppose will be the end of May."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/55253671

 

[Savak]

AJ has great boxing skills but a very suspect jaw and very poor gas tank. He throws combinations for 1-2 rounds and then needs 4-5 rounds to replenish his gas tank. Cannot afford that against Fury or Wilder

 

[Firebat]

Seems to be a big bias towards Fury in discussion of this fight in general, as if AJ has been written off already.

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury on Anthony Joshua: 'He never answered the question – next year, the fight has to happen'

Tyson Fury has criticised Anthony Joshua for not being vocal enough about their proposed super-fight which he says "has to happen".

Joshua retained his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against Kubrat Pulev last Saturday then said about the WBC belt: "Whoever has got the belt, I would love to compete with them. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury."

A fight between Joshua and Fury, who hold every major title between them, is being discussed for 2021 to decide the undisputed heavyweight champion.

"Next year, the fight has to happen," Fury told The Jonathan Ross Show.

"He's come over his final hurdle last week against Pulev. And now we're both free to make this fight. I'm willing to do the fight.

"He was asked the question: 'Do you want to fight Tyson Fury?'

"Very plain and simple, and he never answered the question. It was a simple yes or no answer, wasn't it?

"Then they said: 'Do you think you're the best heavyweight in the world?'

"And he went [holds hands up]. Didn't answer the question. Ask me: 'Do you want to fight Anthony Joshua?'

"Yes."

Fury insisted he was the division's No 1: "Me, by a mile. There we go, that's how you answer the question.

"He is unified champion now, I was in 2015 before my problems and I had to vacate them all. So it'll be the first time since Lennox Lewis 20 years ago that there's been an undisputed champion."

Fury said about his future in the ring: "I'm a creature of habit. I've done this since in the womb, basically. Came out fighting, fists ready. I'll continue until there's no more challenges, no more proper challenges to fight.

"When I beat Joshua next year, I'll have beaten the best from the last era and my era. So then there'll always be someone else to fight."

Fury added about Joshua: "He's a great fighter, Olympic gold medallist, two-time heavyweight champion just like me, he's won all the best, he's a great, great athlete. Of course [I have respect for him]."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...he-question-next-year-the-fight-has-to-happen

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I still have major doubts if this fight will even take place. AJ has made a career of ducking the big fights, and can't really see him making an exception here.

 

[Reddy]

Anyone who thinks AJ stands a chance has been smoking something potent...

josh still needs to fight wilder, the ecnomics and brit factor means this will happen but imo wilder joshua is a more justified fight at the moment.

2 fools have already voted for joshua above but haven't left a comment

this match up will be as bad as mayweather / pacman.

I have voted for Fury but Joshua can definitely win this via judges bought by Eddie Hearn, such robberies are quite common in boxing world and Hearn is one of the most powerful promoters in the world.

There is a reason Joshua was quite hesitant in fighting Wilder as that fight will never go to the judges as somebody will get knocked out.

Quite moronic handling of Wilders career by Al Haymon too, AJ-Hearn combo were lowballing Wilder for years by offering flat fees but after the first Wilder-Fury fight, Al Haymon should have negotiated a 40-60 percentage revenue fight instead of going through this absurd route of trying to defeat Fury to demand 50-50 with AJ. Now there is no way they will be offered more than 30-35% and that too when Wilder is old at 37 years of age till Joshua clears two Fury fights and few mandatories in the next two years.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury want to fight in UK but there are major logistical issues, explains Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury could take place on foreign soil, explained promoter Eddie Hearn who said "we need a full capacity in the UK" to have any hope of the proposed mega-fight staying in the champions’ home country.

IBF, WBA and WBO title holder Joshua and WBC champion Fury have never been closer to agreeing a historic fight that would crown the heavyweight division's undisputed champion.

The location is yet to be discussed, however, and keeping the British heavyweights in the UK will be difficult, Hearn explained.

"[The location] will be the next move," he told Sky Sports News.

"Our plan, after speaking to [Fury's US-based promoter] Bob Arum, is to get the deal in place then go out to the relevant sites.

"Obviously we all would like this fight to take place in the UK but you've seen London go into Tier 4 now.

"We had a crowd on Saturday [for Joshua's win over Kubrat Pulev] but that has been taken away for the time being. There are a lot of unknowns in that respect.

"Both fighters will have to take a significant reduction in purse for this fight to take place in the UK, unfortunately. Probably half and, without a crowd, maybe 80 per cent.

Read more: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-major-logistical-issues-explains-eddie-hearn

 

[Tubs]

I'd favour Tyson, but let's not act like it's a foregone conclusion.

He did have a bad showing against Otto Wallin, and AJ is a better boxer and hits harder than him. I do think Fury jabs his face off, and is definitely more skilled, but I'd still say 60-40 Fury.

 

[Manunited18]

70-30 in favour of tyson, tyson could easily win on points or maybe knock out, joushuas best chance is a brawl and use his powerful combos

 

[Savak]

Fury is the more versatile fighter and can adapt in a fight in the fly. He can outbox you off the back foot in order to win a decision, he can take it to you and get into a slugfest. He is the only guy who can utilize his 274 lb frame, impose his size on you and still move around like a light weight.

AJ is very methodical and I have seen enough of him to feel that if plan A doesn't work he will run out of ideas and not be able to find another way to win.

AJ's only chance of winning is early and that also by a lucky punch because there is no way in hell over the long haul he will be able to outbox Fury. AJ will also realize this and at some point if he is badly behind on the cards, go for broke and if he fails to get Fury out of there, as we have seen he nefds 4-5 rounds to get his gas tank back and you cannot afford that against an elite opponent like Fury. Lastly I am still not sold on AJ's chin and while Fury is no murderous one punch ko artist, a 274 lb guy throwing multiple punches at you when you have a suspect jaw is going to take its toll eventually at some point in the fight

 

[Savak]

I'd favour Tyson, but let's not act like it's a foregone conclusion.

He did have a bad showing against Otto Wallin, and AJ is a better boxer and hits harder than him. I do think Fury jabs his face off, and is definitely more skilled, but I'd still say 60-40 Fury.

Fury rises to the occasion and to his level of opposition. There is no way he is going to treat AJ like Otto Wallin

 

[Reddy]

I have voted for Fury but Joshua can definitely win this via judges bought by Eddie Hearn, such robberies are quite common in boxing world and Hearn is one of the most powerful promoters in the world.

There is a reason Joshua was quite hesitant in fighting Wilder as that fight will never go to the judges as somebody will get knocked out.

Quite moronic handling of Wilders career by Al Haymon too, AJ-Hearn combo were lowballing Wilder for years by offering flat fees but after the first Wilder-Fury fight, Al Haymon should have negotiated a 40-60 percentage revenue fight instead of going through this absurd route of trying to defeat Fury to demand 50-50 with AJ. Now there is no way they will be offered more than 30-35% and that too when Wilder is old at 37 years of age till Joshua clears two Fury fights and few mandatories in the next two years.

Fury is the more versatile fighter and can adapt in a fight in the fly. He can outbox you off the back foot in order to win a decision, he can take it to you and get into a slugfest. He is the only guy who can utilize his 274 lb frame, impose his size on you and still move around like a light weight.

AJ is very methodical and I have seen enough of him to feel that if plan A doesn't work he will run out of ideas and not be able to find another way to win.

AJ's only chance of winning is early and that also by a lucky punch because there is no way in hell over the long haul he will be able to outbox Fury. AJ will also realize this and at some point if he is badly behind on the cards, go for broke and if he fails to get Fury out of there, as we have seen he nefds 4-5 rounds to get his gas tank back and you cannot afford that against an elite opponent like Fury. Lastly I am still not sold on AJ's chin and while Fury is no murderous one punch ko artist, a 274 lb guy throwing multiple punches at you when you have a suspect jaw is going to take its toll eventually at some point in the fight

What do you think about my post above? many times the better fighter loses on cards due to politics/corruption.

 

[Tubs]

Fury rises to the occasion and to his level of opposition. There is no way he is going to treat AJ like Otto Wallin

This seems like a cop out to me, I hear this a lot.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Fury fan, but let's not act like 'rising to the occasion' is an excuse for sub-par performances. Wallin is decent, tough, big, strong, with some skill, but is inferior to Joshua in all of those aspects. The Fury on that night would have been sparked. While I do think Fury will beat Joshua, he'll need to be in top form.

The reason why I give Joshua a chance is that we haven't really seen Fury in with someone with world-class skills, power, and size which rivals his. I still think he'll jab AJ's face off, but those suggesting it's gonna be a walk in a park are wrong.

 

[IMMY69]

I think AJ will put it out of the bag...
Logic goes out of the window

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is debated by panel of experts

Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury could be staged next year, but who would emerge victorious from an undisputed world title fight? The Panel have given their verdict...

The British rivals are currently holding talks about a blockbuster battle which would see the winner confirmed as the world's No 1 heavyweight.

But will it be Joshua or Fury who complete the collection of WBC, WBA IBF and WBO belts? Our experts have offered their opinions:

Spoiler

Carl Froch:

I think the only way that Anthony Joshua can win this fight is by stoppage. He can't outbox Fury, who is too good at range. He throws punches from all angles and he's so awkward.

But Joshua is an Olympic gold medallist with strong fundamentals and he's got combination punches with real aggression. If he produces the same finishing instinct that he's shown in past fights, then he can beat Fury.

AJ can get him out of there, I think he can, because you saw bursts of his aggression in the Kubrat Pulev fight. If AJ maintains that, there's a chance he could stop him, but the problem is, if he doesn't stop Fury then he's going to lose on points.

Adam Smith:

It's the biggest match-up in a generation that the fans, the fighters and everybody wants to see. I believe it will happen at some point in 2021. Who wins? That's the big debate.

Tyson Fury became the favourite after his destruction of Deontay Wilder, but Anthony Joshua has pulled back some opinions after the way he dealt with Kubrat Pulev. What I liked from AJ was the fact he mixed skills and power together, because he's going to need that power if he's going to halt the great boxing ability of Tyson Fury.

If Tyson Fury is on top form, it's going to be a very hard night's work for Anthony Joshua. But I think that Joshua has got the power to knock out any heavyweight in the world.

There's a bit of me that thinks Tyson Fury will struggle with Joshua's increasing arsenal, and could find him a lot tougher than some people are expecting. It's a very hard fight to call, I hope we get two of them, and only then will we know who the greatest heavyweight in modern times is.

Johnny Nelson:

AJ wins by late stoppage. AJ has that raw power which will make Tyson Fury think about boxing him more than beating him up. But I believe Joshua will box a lot better in this fight than people expect.

As Joshua get his second wind in the later rounds, that's when he'll manage to land a shot on Fury and knock him out. I think AJ's boxing ability will actually shine, more than people realise. He'll do better when he boxes him, instead of just having a fight.

Matthew Macklin:

I think Fury wins on points. I don't believe he will attempt the same aggressive tactics that he showed against Wilder. AJ is a much better fighter than Wilder. He maybe doesn't hit quite as hard with one punch, but he still hits hard enough.

He will look to outbox AJ, rather than do what he did against Wilder in the second fight. AJ is a good boxer - he showed that in the rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr - but Fury is a top, top boxer. He's got an excellent jab, got better angles, his movement is excellent. I think he'll outbox him.

Dave Coldwell:

It's a very difficult question to answer, because AJ is improving all the time. We're going to be talking about a few more months, the experience of the Kubrat Pulev fight, and that's going to make him a better fighter.

Fury, going forward in the Wilder rematch, he did things that were new to him there, and he's going to be better as well. I can see both men being capable of winning the fight.

If it's a purely boxing sense, then Tyson Fury's more natural at what he does. He's the better boxer, in that he's been doing a lot longer and it's a natural fit for him.

But if AJ's new-found boxing ability and smartness, and ring generalship improves and carries on developing then he can get himself into spots where he can land the big shots on Tyson. If he lands a big shot, he's knocking Fury out. I can see both men winning the fight, I really can.

Andy Clarke:

If they fight next, then Fury wins and I think he wins on points. Fury is good enough that he'll be able to work out the most efficacious way to go about any given fight. In the rematch with Wilder, he thought, 'I could have done more in that first fight, I could have stepped on him a little bit.' The second time around, that's what he did.

I think Fury will look at Joshua and think that he's getting better and better, which he is. People will talk about Joshua vs Fury as bombs away, but it won't be like that. That's too much of a risk for both of them. No-one is going to go out swinging at that level.

They will have a look at each other and Fury will feel the best way for him to win this fight is that he can outbox Joshua over 12 rounds - and that's what he'll attempt to do.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...tyson-fury-is-debated-by-our-panel-of-experts

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury dismisses Anthony Joshua's KO threat and questions whether British rival is truly confident of victory

Tyson Fury says Anthony Joshua's chilling knockout threat is just "a lie" and believes his British rival is not confident about winning their world title fight.

WBC champion Fury is set to face Joshua, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, with talks ongoing to stage a massive showdown to decide the world's No 1 heavyweight.

Joshua produced a dramatic knockout win over Kubrat Pulev in December and warned he wants to take Fury's "head off his shoulders" when they finally share the ring.

But Fury told Fox Miami: "This fight has been brewing for a long time. They have been avoiding me for a long time and now it's finally got to happen. They either run away from the fight and announce it publicly, or take the fight. Either way it's a lose-lose situation for him.

"It's a nice quote. It doesn't mean anything. It's sticks and stones. People say a lot of stuff and they don't back it up, so we'll see. I've never seen him take anybody's head off anybody's shoulders in all of his 22 fights. Probably a lie. Another lie.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...r-british-rival-is-truly-confident-of-victory

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury's ongoing dispute with Deontay Wilder will not derail Anthony Joshua plans, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Tyson Fury's ongoing dispute with Deontay Wilder is not 'an issue' that could derail plans for two fights against Anthony Joshua, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Fury's US promoter Bob Arum has revealed that he is "95 per cent" confident about agreeing terms with Joshua - and hopes to sign a contract within two weeks, despite Wilder's attempts to enforce another WBC title fight.

The American, who suffered a knockout loss to Fury last February, has started a mediation process in a bid to gain a third bout, but Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn does not believe Wilder can prevent two huge world title clashes this year.

"He (Arum) is not too concerned," Hearn told Sky Sports. "He feels like the contract is over.

"There is an arbitration going on in that respect. I don't see that as an issue. If there is, Fury has to give Wilder some kind of compensation to take these two fights."

Fury issued a statement on social media in response to Wilder's outrageous post-fight claims and Hearn has questioned whether the British fighter would be willing to share the ring again with the Alabama man.

"Again, I can't talk on behalf of Tyson Fury, but the vibe I'm getting from everything I've seen on social media is he isn't giving Deontay Wilder another chance or another shot ever after he said what he said," said Hearn.

"The accusations of him being a cheat. Tampering with his gloves, people putting stuff in his drinks. It was absolutely bizarre. That was actually even more bizarre than 2020 itself."

Top Rank boss Arum is optimistic that he can overcome any remaining stumbling blocks for Fury versus Joshua.

"I think we'll sort through any issues and arrive at the conclusion, which is the fight that everybody wants," Arum told Sky Sports.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...nthony-joshua-plans-says-promoter-eddie-hearn

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury takes huge step forward as WBO contact Oleksandr Usyk who may fight Joe Joyce

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's dream fight is closer to becoming a reality after the major issue posed by Oleksandr Usyk edged nearer to being resolved.

Usyk's status as WBO mandatory challenger to the belt held by Joshua was a problem that the governing body have started to settle by contacting the Ukrainian to say he may have to wait for a title shot.

Early negotiations have now begun to pit Usyk against Joe Joyce (who is ranked No 2 by the WBO) for the organisation's interim title - meaning Joshua vs Fury can take place next, with every major championship in the heavyweight division at stake.

Joshua is the IBF, WBA and WBO title holder and Fury owns the WBC belt meaning this generation-defining battle would crown the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis.

Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk exclusively told Sky Sports: "I received the call from George Warren [the son of Joyce's promoter Frank Warren] with the offer to promote Usyk vs Joyce for the interim WBO heavyweight championship this spring.

"We also received the letter from WBO saying that they are considering granting sanction for AJ vs Fury.

"But Usyk has never received any serious offer nor anyone approached him with the offer to 'step aside'. We all read it from media.

"I know that the WBO in general and its president Paco Valcarcel in particular will never violate the rules of its organisation and sanction the major fight without Usyk's consent.

"So now is the best time for the AJ vs Fury fight promoters to make Usyk a serious offer either to fight the WBO champion or to step aside and fight for the interim."

Usyk won Olympic gold alongside Joshua in 2012 and, as a professional, is unbeaten in 18 and became the undisputed cruiserweight champion before stepping up a division and outpointing Derek Chisora.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...ontact-oleksandr-usyk-who-may-fight-joe-joyce

 

[silentkiller187]

This seems like a cop out to me, I hear this a lot.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Fury fan, but let's not act like 'rising to the occasion' is an excuse for sub-par performances. Wallin is decent, tough, big, strong, with some skill, but is inferior to Joshua in all of those aspects. The Fury on that night would have been sparked. While I do think Fury will beat Joshua, he'll need to be in top form.

The reason why I give Joshua a chance is that we haven't really seen Fury in with someone with world-class skills, power, and size which rivals his. I still think he'll jab AJ's face off, but those suggesting it's gonna be a walk in a park are wrong.

Fury out boxed a prime Klitchsko or 12 rounds, Joshua struggled to put him away and almost got knocked out by Klitchsko who was well past it by then.

Fury took the hardest punch of his career from Wilder and got up to carry on the fight, 99% of fighters including Joshua would not have got up from that punch.

Both fghters are very good and punch heavy but i just think Fury has the capacity to take more damage while handing out his own, Joshua goes missing when hes rocked.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua says he is getting ready for 'combat and war' with world title fight against Tyson Fury edging closer

Anthony Joshua appears to have sent a hostile message to Tyson Fury by insisting he will not be "civilised" as he prepares for "combat and war" in their world title fight.

Joshua is expected to face Fury in an undisputed world title fight this year, with the British rivals currently finalising terms for a blockbuster battle that will decide the sport's No 1 heavyweight.

Fury ruthlessly stopped Wilder last February to claim the WBC belt, while Joshua inflicted an explosive knockout on Kubrat Pulev in December, and the WBA, IBF, and WBO champion is readying himself for a brutal showdown.

"Some people may not understand it and I realise in this life is that, 99 per cent of the population are civilised people," said Joshua on his official YouTube channel.

"The job I've chosen is for the uncivilised. This is a sport of combat and war.

"We're not civilised people, we're warriors, and I love it."

Joshua avenged the only loss on his record, defeating Andy Ruiz Jr on points in a rematch, and he is not daunted by an opponent like Fury, who still holds an unbeaten record.

He said: "No matter what the tactics are, no matter how much you study, no matter how much you think you can beat me, I'm just there to win.

"I'm there to do a job, and that's the fighter's mentality."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-title-fight-against-tyson-fury-edging-closer

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua holds meeting with promoter Eddie Hearn to finalise terms for Tyson Fury fight

Anthony Joshua held a meeting with promoter Eddie Hearn to finalise the Tyson Fury fight, with only 'minor details' to resolve for the undisputed world title clash.

The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion visited the Matchroom Boxing boss on Wednesday to discuss the remaining terms for his blockbuster battle against WBC title holder Fury this year.

Hearn continues to exchange paperwork with Bob Arum, Fury's US promoter, and remains confident he can confirm the fight within the next few weeks.

"Contracts have been backwards and forwards," Hearn told Sky Sports. "Only minor details to be resolved on both ends. We're in a good place.

"AJ was in the office yesterday with us. We had a good meeting to finalise our side of stuff."

A venue for the Joshua vs Fury is yet to be decided, with a number of countries being considered as a location, including Saudi Arabia, America, Qatar, Dubai, Singapore and China.

Read more: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-hearn-to-finalise-terms-for-tyson-fury-fight

 

[Saj]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title showdown has moved a step closer with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn saying a two-fight deal has been signed.

The winner of the all-British bout will become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

The locations and dates are yet to be confirmed.

Joshua, 31, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury, 32, has the WBC title.

"All parties have now put pen to paper and we will be working hard over the next few weeks to confirm the site and date for the biggest fight in boxing," Hearn told Sky Sports on Monday.

Fury said on Friday that he had stopped training because a deal was "nowhere near" being finalised.

Hearn told ESPN on Monday they are aiming to get a venue "confirmed in the next month" and that they have already had offers from "eight or nine sites" across "multiple countries in the Middle East, Asia, eastern Europe and America".

The fight between Joshua and Fury will see all four belts contested in a heavyweight bout for the first time.

The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Britain's Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000, before a boxer had to also hold the WBO belt to be recognised as undisputed champion.

Joshua has a record of 24 wins and one defeat from 25 professional bouts. He lost his three world titles in a shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 before regaining them in a rematch in December that year.

He defended them by knocking out mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena in December.

Fury is unbeaten in his 31 professional fights, having survived two knockdowns to draw with American Deontay Wilder in 2018 before taking the WBC title by winning their rematch in February 2020, the last time Fury fought.

He won the WBA, IBF and WBO belts by beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 before nearly three years out of the sport during which he overcame depression and also accepted a backdated two-year UK Anti-Doping ban.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/55683707

 

[KingKhanWC]

Fury needs to get into shape. In a recent interview he said he's drinking 12 pints of larger a day!

 

[IMMY69]

My money is on a tie for the first fight..
a close split decision for the second and then we get the inevitable third fight worth £500m

That's the sceptic in me

 

[shaz619]

AJ should be trying to get Fury in the ring asap, he hasn’t fought since he beat Wilder! and apparently hasn’t been keeping himself in the best condition. I wonder if Fury will have a tune up first ?

 

[KingKhanWC]

My money is on a tie for the first fight..
a close split decision for the second and then we get the inevitable third fight worth £500m

That's the sceptic in me

Its possible.

But Fury in any sort of shape will be too much for AJ. AJ can only win with a knockout, no chance he can win by points.

 

[shaz619]

Its possible.

But Fury in any sort of shape will be too much for AJ. AJ can only win with a knockout, no chance he can win by points.

If it goes the distance he wont get the decision like the first Wilder fight and even in prep for that fight, he still shook off a bit of rust and has said on record, you loose the timing etc when you're out for so long, with Fury you never know what to expect with such comments and even with poor fitness you know he'd be competitive, but I'd prefer he has a proper camp behind him with a tune up so Joshua gets wrecked badly, it would be a great spectacle

 

[IMMY69]

If it goes the distance he wont get the decision like the first Wilder fight and even in prep for that fight, he still shook off a bit of rust and has said on record, you loose the timing etc when you're out for so long, with Fury you never know what to expect with such comments and even with poor fitness you know he'd be competitive, but I'd prefer he has a proper camp behind him with a tune up so Joshua gets wrecked badly, it would be a great spectacle

IMHO in the first fight no one is going to get wrecked.
There is far too much money on the line.
In the second match, yes possibly although I'm sure they would want to have third fight too.

 

[shaz619]

IMHO in the first fight no one is going to get wrecked.
There is far too much money on the line.
In the second match, yes possibly although I'm sure they would want to have third fight too.

I see the angle you are taking on this but if there is a KO involved then it takes controversy out of the equation, in HW boxing I don't think high profile rematches have suffered significantly financially. And I don't think remotely, the other would deliberately not try to take the other out should the chance present itself

 

[Suleiman]

Can’t wait for this bout.

Deontay Bechara will fight Ruiz. I do think Deontay has this but pressure is on him to not get humiliated again after talking that big talk.

 

[Savak]

AJ should be trying to get Fury in the ring asap, he hasn’t fought since he beat Wilder! and apparently hasn’t been keeping himself in the best condition. I wonder if Fury will have a tune up first ?

I won't read too much into this. Fury rises to the occasion, he needs a tough opponent to get the best out of him. He also has many tools for AJ.

 

[Firebat]

Hope they don't hold the fight in some foreign arena in Saudi Arabia or something similar.

Fury vs Joshua in front of 100,000 fans at Wembley. That would certainly be a can't-miss spectacle.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will soon be presented with venue for world title fight, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury must accept a venue for their world title fight in a few weeks, with "pressure on" to meet a deadline, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Britain's rival world champions have signed a contract for an undisputed world heavyweight title fight, although a location and date are yet to be agreed.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that seven countries have offered to stage Joshua vs Fury, but a deadline of 30 days has been set to find a venue in time for the fight to be staged this summer.

If an agreement is not reached by then, Hearn told Sky Sports: "Well I guess it depends where we are. If we're on the verge and it has to go a few days after that.

"That's a date set by everybody to push forward with the summer fight. We are in March, we want to get this wrapped up as soon as possible. I think far better to put the pressure on and work to a deadline, and I think it's a fair deadline.

"Ultimately that's a very sensible timeframe to be able to get a deal done. A lot of conversations with the sites have actually been started a couple of weeks ago, because of the slight delay, so we're in a good place.

"Both sides on the phone to relevant sites this week and we'll catch up at the end of the week with an update and I believe in the next week or so, we'll be ready to provide the fighters with an update of the offers and the various sites on the table."

Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Qatar, China, Dubai, America and the UK have already been named as possible destinations for the fight.

But the likelihood of a reduced attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions could rule out some options.

"We're up against it, coming off the back of the pandemic," said Hearn.

"I'm sure most people would prefer the fight to take place later in the year. That's not what we want. We want these two fights to take place this year.

"We want it to be AJ's next fight and it will be, so that's what we're in a process of going out and securing, and I think we're in a great position."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...r-world-title-fight-says-promoter-eddie-hearn

 

[IMMY69]

I see the angle you are taking on this but if there is a KO involved then it takes controversy out of the equation, in HW boxing I don't think high profile rematches have suffered significantly financially. And I don't think remotely, the other would deliberately not try to take the other out should the chance present itself

I hope you're right. 22-1 for a draw looks a good bet.
If I was betting man I would put a few quid on it.

Anyway conspiracy theories apart, head says Tyson and heart hopes for an AJ victory.

 

[Nadeemp]

I hope you're right. 22-1 for a draw looks a good bet.
If I was betting man I would put a few quid on it.

Anyway conspiracy theories apart, head says Tyson and heart hopes for an AJ victory.

Tyson is too skillful of a fighter. He will outbox and maybe even ko AJ. AJ can only win my a luck ko punch. He can’t outbox tyson

 

[topspin]

With normality soon to resume in UK, I expect this to be held at Wembley during the end of 2021/beginning 2022.

 

[Bi_Jamalo]

AJ was looking visually nervous against the Fat mexican boxer in last fight. He was just throwing punches from distance and running away.

I don’t think he stands any real chance against a proper boxer such as Tyson Fury.

 

[shaz619]

I hope you're right. 22-1 for a draw looks a good bet.
If I was betting man I would put a few quid on it.

Anyway conspiracy theories apart, head says Tyson and heart hopes for an AJ victory.

AJ has the best opportunity at causing an upset right now, Fury hasn't fought in a while and doesn't remotely consider AJ a threat which will affect his training camp to a degree; with that being said AJ would still be an under dog, just think of how bad a shape Fury was in for the first Wilder fight. As for the draw couldn't blame you for putting a few quid on that. The biggest shame is this fight wont be in the UK, given the post pandemic world I probably wouldn't have attended but it would still have been nice to take the atmosphere in from Wembley watching it on PPV

 

[IMMY69]

AJ has the best opportunity at causing an upset right now, Fury hasn't fought in a while and doesn't remotely consider AJ a threat which will affect his training camp to a degree; with that being said AJ would still be an under dog, just think of how bad a shape Fury was in for the first Wilder fight. As for the draw couldn't blame you for putting a few quid on that. The biggest shame is this fight wont be in the UK, given the post pandemic world I probably wouldn't have attended but it would still have been nice to take the atmosphere in from Wembley watching it on PPV

Yep pretty much this.
Fury's skills are on a different level to anyone else plus he has a strong heart and a granite chin...

Honestly, can't wait for this one and yes if only it were at Wembley

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have multiple offers to stage world title fight with promoter Eddie Hearn confident as ever about a deal

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have "multiple" offers to stage their world title fight and promoter Eddie Hearn is "confident as ever" about finalising a deal.

Britain's rival champions have signed contracts ahead of an undisputed world title fight, but a period of three weeks was set to reach an agreement on a location and a venue for a huge summer showdown.

Fury tweeted on Wednesday night that a deadline was three days away following criticism from his father John about negotiations, but Matchroom boss Hearn intends to deliver a variety of options to both fighters by the weekend.

"At the end of this week both fighters and the teams will be presented with all the offers and options on the table, which there will be multiple ones," Hearn told Sky Sports.

"We're in a good place. I saw John Fury's comments. It's almost like they don't really want the fight. I'd like them to talk it up, rather than talk it down.

"We're quite aware that there has been a global pandemic. We're quite aware that it's not easy, but we're out there grafting away every day to get this done.

"A little bit of support would be nice, John and Tyson, thank you very much.

"Like I said, there will be around three or four offers presented to both camps this weekend and then it's over to them and the teams to discuss which one we want to take. The dates of those fights."

A number of potential locations are being considered, including Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Qatar, China, Dubai, America and the UK, with a date in July expected to be announced.

"Same thing applies," said Hearn. "Two fights this year. It is a summer fight. That's everything we're working towards and as confident as ever that this gets done.

"I know that there are some negative people out there and people that believe we can't pull it off, but we spend a lifetime pulling things off, and I believe we will get this done, and I believe you will see this fight in the summer.

"The next step is to basically get everybody to agree to the venue and the date, and they're going to have multiple options to choose from.

"There's no other fight for Tyson Fury. There's no other fight for Anthony Joshua. This is the fight. Everyone accepts that."

Wembley Stadium has not been ruled out, despite the current Covid-19 restrictions on attendances, and Hearn has named a potential date that would fit in between major sporting events.

"Firstly, you have the Euros, then you have the Olympics, if they happen," he said.

"When you look at the Wembley option, which is still teetering around. Maybe unrealistic, but it's another option that we'd like to present.

"That would be July 24th, for example, which is the end of the Euro period. Once you start going too deep into August, you've got the Olympics and so forth.

"I put this fight up there as the biggest sporting event of 2021. I know the Olympics is a big period. This is massive. This is something the whole world will stop to watch."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...er-eddie-hearn-confident-as-ever-about-a-deal

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua will beat Tyson Fury because he is 'physically superior', says David Haye

Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury because he is more "athletically gifted", says David Haye.

IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua and WBC title-holder Fury have now "approved a site offer" for their undisputed heavyweight title fight to crown the division's No 1.

Former heavyweight champion Haye told Sky Sports: "Joshua will win the fight.

"His loss against Andy Ruiz Jr taught him a valuable lesson about complacency and believing your own hype.

"I think Fury is flying so high after his victory in Las Vegas [over Deontay Wilder] and believes he is unbeatable. For good reason - if I were him, I'd think so too.

"Joshua has tasted defeat and will have a different mindset.

"He is so athletically gifted, an Olympic gold medallist who has had so many world title fights, he is newer to the game and is still learning.

"I think that Fury believes he is the finished article. Whereas Joshua doesn't - he is learning. Fury has been celebrating for a long time.

"This isn't a bodybuilding competition but I like the mindset and discipline of Joshua.

"In the long term of a physical game like boxing, the dedication and nutrition of Joshua [will come out on top].

"He is an underdog but I like the underdog.

"Joshua is physically superior. If they did any sport outside of boxing, Joshua would win. A boxing match is skill-based and people believe Fury's skills supersede Joshua's.

"But the skilled boxer doesn't always win. The boxer with speed, endurance, will to win, strategy, who has trained correctly? There a million elements that go into winning a boxing match but people ignore everything except skills."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...use-he-is-physically-superior-says-david-haye

 

[Firebat]

Tyson Fury told Eddie Hearn about clash with Anthony Joshua: 'Let's get this done, it's the only fight I want'

Tyson Fury reassured Eddie Hearn in person that he is fully focused on agreeing the dream fight with Anthony Joshua, the promoter revealed.

IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua and WBC titleholder Fury are now "on the verge" of a one-fight deal to decide the undisputed heavyweight championship in "the biggest fight in British boxing history," Hearn says.

It is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia at the end of July or early August.

"I bumped into Fury in Vegas and he reassured me that he's all-in," Joshua's promoter Hearn told Sky Sports News.

"There are lots of characters involved - some are not so involved but still have comments to make.

"I wanted to see Fury because you see interviews from various people and I had started to doubt that he actually wanted the fight. I felt that he did.

"When we met up, he made me feel that he really wants this fight.

"'Let's get this done, it's the only fight that I want'.

"He's bang up for this fight and so is Joshua."

Fury's UK-based promoter Frank Warren had previously told talkSPORT "I'll believe it when I see it", when asked about the all-important site deal which the fight hinges on.

Hearn has now said: "People doubted we would achieve the site fee. We have achieved that. Now we have to make sure the fighters are happy with the contractual position from the site, which is straightforward and is something we've done before.

"It is one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

"We're in a strong position. Both fighters have signed the contract to fight. Both fighters have agreed to an offer from a site.

"There were loads of calls at the weekend and last night to finalise the contract, longform, for the site.

"Time is of the essence.

"Literally, we are in the second or third round of the final site longform agreement. Hopefully, this week, we can be in a position where it is all done.

"It's never done until the ink is dry but there are no obstacles to overcome, except to finalise the paperwork and get it announced.

"I've not seen a fight fall through at this stage before.

"We're on the verge now. But we still have to finish the job and that's the plan for this week.

"There is no Plan B. I'm a guy who loves to have a Plan B. But all our eggs are in this basket."

The possibility remains open for UK fans to attend the fight overseas, Hearn hopes.

"That's something that we're talking about with the site," he said.

"A lot of international sites that stage major events will invest huge money to showcase their city as a point of tourism. It's important for them to do that.

"You hope at the end of July, early August, that corridor to the Middle East will be open.

"But it's not a necessity for the fight to take place."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-lets-get-this-done-its-the-only-fight-i-want

 

[finalfantasy7]

I have voted for Fury but Joshua can definitely win this via judges bought by Eddie Hearn, such robberies are quite common in boxing world and Hearn is one of the most powerful promoters in the world.

There is a reason Joshua was quite hesitant in fighting Wilder as that fight will never go to the judges as somebody will get knocked out.

Quite moronic handling of Wilders career by Al Haymon too, AJ-Hearn combo were lowballing Wilder for years by offering flat fees but after the first Wilder-Fury fight, Al Haymon should have negotiated a 40-60 percentage revenue fight instead of going through this absurd route of trying to defeat Fury to demand 50-50 with AJ. Now there is no way they will be offered more than 30-35% and that too when Wilder is old at 37 years of age till Joshua clears two Fury fights and few mandatories in the next two years.

sorry for the really late reply - just read this - So is frank warren - but i do admit he is less powerful than eddie by along margin

 

[Savak]

Lol at the pundits writing Fury off. If anyone has proven that he can rise to the occasion big time, it's Tyson Fury who has many different styles which he can use on the day

 

[Reddy]

sorry for the really late reply - just read this - So is frank warren - but i do admit he is less powerful than eddie by along margin

Eddie Hearn's corruption via judges has become so blatant in the last year that Eddie himself had to come out and condemn few score cards to try and fake neutrality. Billion dollar deals via Sky or DAZN and just have to spend few million to keep few judges on payroll. I hope Fury knocks out Joshua late in the fight, AJ is gassed out after 5-6 rounds.

 

[Manunited18]

For me joshua will knock fury out,this ain't going the distance.

 

[Suleiman]

Anthony Joshua will beat Tyson Fury because he is 'physically superior', says David Haye

Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury because he is more "athletically gifted", says David Haye.

IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua and WBC title-holder Fury have now "approved a site offer" for their undisputed heavyweight title fight to crown the division's No 1.

Former heavyweight champion Haye told Sky Sports: "Joshua will win the fight.

"His loss against Andy Ruiz Jr taught him a valuable lesson about complacency and believing your own hype.

"I think Fury is flying so high after his victory in Las Vegas [over Deontay Wilder] and believes he is unbeatable. For good reason - if I were him, I'd think so too.

"Joshua has tasted defeat and will have a different mindset.

"He is so athletically gifted, an Olympic gold medallist who has had so many world title fights, he is newer to the game and is still learning.

"I think that Fury believes he is the finished article. Whereas Joshua doesn't - he is learning. Fury has been celebrating for a long time.

"This isn't a bodybuilding competition but I like the mindset and discipline of Joshua.

"In the long term of a physical game like boxing, the dedication and nutrition of Joshua [will come out on top].

"He is an underdog but I like the underdog.

"Joshua is physically superior. If they did any sport outside of boxing, Joshua would win. A boxing match is skill-based and people believe Fury's skills supersede Joshua's.

"But the skilled boxer doesn't always win. The boxer with speed, endurance, will to win, strategy, who has trained correctly? There a million elements that go into winning a boxing match but people ignore everything except skills."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...use-he-is-physically-superior-says-david-haye

David Haye is the biggest bum amongst bums. Always has some venom to spew vs Fury, and always gets proven wrong. Couldn’t even square up and canceled on their fight. Stay mad.

Really hoping Fury wins so AJ can finally realize his actual dream of winning Mr. Olympia instead.

 

[shaz619]

David Haye is the biggest bum amongst bums. Always has some venom to spew vs Fury, and always gets proven wrong. Couldn’t even square up and canceled on their fight. Stay mad.

Really hoping Fury wins so AJ can finally realize his actual dream of winning Mr. Olympia instead.

Haye was one hell of a fighter in his prime and became undisputed world CW champion, and no HW I believe handled Chisora like he did when he moved up to HW. His style relied heavily on explosiveness and sharp reflex’s, unfortunately when this deteriorated he also became very injury prone and was pretty much finished in his early 30’s, but he achieved a lot becoming a 2 weight world champion. Having said that, there has always been too much spite between him and the Fury’s, two cancelled fights etc soon after we never saw Haye until he decided to come back in a sorry state for the money when he wasn’t able physically. His most recent comments are a little surprising considering how he was in so much awe during the Wilder fight, but reading between the lines he isn’t making a prediction but giving support to the idea behind an underdog who has tasted defeat / will be more hungry and also have better preparation in terms of ring activity compared to a fighter who will be high off his win over Wilder and doesn’t believe AJ is in his league, from Joshua’s POV it is now or never, he wont have a better opportunity at an upset; but Tyson is the master of mind games and his skills are unparalleled so much of the rhetoric from the media and pundits is probably not relevant.

 

[IMMY69]

I think Haye is just hyping up the fight.
I'm sure he has huge respect for Fury.

 

[shaz619]

I think Haye is just hyping up the fight.
I'm sure he has huge respect for Fury.

He begrudgingly was forced to respect him after he was proven incorrect with his views on the Wilder fight, it’s all on youtube there was a fascinating discussion involving him and John Fury, for some reason Haye thought Wilder would be able to box like him, which was preposterous, prime Haye had a high in-ring IQ and he was an explosive counter puncher, Wilder on the other hand is flat footed in comparison but with god given power in his right hand. However, I don’t think Haye is going to send Fury an Xmas card anytime soon; the two simply don’t like each other, while Haye does try to be objective he does hold some bias and a little dislike for Fury given their history, am sure nothing would please him more then an AJ win

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title fight will take place in Saudi Arabia.

That's according to Eddie Hearn.

 

[shaz619]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title fight will take place in Saudi Arabia.

That's according to Eddie Hearn.

Worst kept secret, wish it was over here in the UK or even USA, a stadium full of real fans of the sport and an electric atmosphere. Money talks though.

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have finalised the date for their undisputed heavyweight championship clash and will meet in a specially-created stadium, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua and Fury's fight will be on August 14 in Saudi Arabia and was described by Hearn as "a done deal" although it is yet to be officially confirmed by both sides.

But Joshua's promoter insists the focus is now on building a brand new venue to stage this historic fight.

"They want to build a new stadium," Hearn told Sky Sports about the hosts in Saudi Arabia. "They have indoors options.

"In August at 11pm it will be about 23 degrees.

"They want to create something very, very special. Last time they built a stadium for the Andy Ruiz Jr fight in just seven weeks and it held 18,000.

"This will be a similar set-up.

"They have the opportunity to hold it indoors but they want to create something that will shock the world. They want to build a stadium just for this fight."

The conclusion of the Olympics on August 7 means Joshua's trainer Rob McCracken, who also coaches Team GB's boxing team, will avoid a conflict of interests.

The religious celebration of Eid in Saudi Arabia is the only reason that Fury's team have not yet received full financial documents from the hosts, says Hearn.

Joshua's IBF, WBA and WBO belts and Fury's WBC title will all be at stake to decide the division's No 1.

Joshua aimed a pointed remark via social media towards Fury this week urging the fight to be finalised.

Fury replied: "Are you ready for a war? Working hard to give the fans a big KO!"

Hearn has now insisted: "You will get a different AJ in this build-up.

"He's excited because he's never really, apart from the Dillian Whyte fight, been in a trash-talk environment.

"He will enjoy it.

"AJ has got the bit between his teeth, goading him a bit.

"I'm sure these two DM each other, goading each other. I get DMs from Fury - sometimes pleasant, sometimes unpleasant!

"When the announcement comes and the press conferences start, the pleasantries will go away and it will become personal.

"It doesn't matter who respects who. Both sides are desperate to win because this is everything.

"There are no fun and games. It's 'them and us'.

"AJ will go to war with Fury. He has plans to absolutely demolish him. That's what I believe he will do.

"In the meantime we will go through the build-up, which will be a lot of fun, before the biggest event of 2021."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...um-that-will-shock-the-world-says-eddie-hearn

 

[MenInG]

Tyson Fury says his world heavyweight title showdown with Anthony Joshua will take place in Saudi Arabia on 14 August.

The all-British bout has been billed as one of the biggest in heavyweight boxing for decades and the winner will become undisputed champion.

Joshua, 31, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury, 32, is WBC champion.

The fight will see all four belts contested in a heavyweight bout for the first time in history.

The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Britain's Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000, before a boxer had to also hold the WBO belt to be recognised as undisputed champion.

 

[ElRaja]

finally, looking forward to it.

 

[90MPH]

Tyson Fury is strong favourite.

His physical appearance is intimidating and easily matches Anthony but above all he is mentally stronger and can take punches Joshua can not.

I will still give Joshua a 30% chance as anyone can be knocked out in heavy weight boxing as all it takes is one good punch and Joshua can land a lethal shot.

But Tyson more likely to come out victorious.

 

[OMB]

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is no longer under discussion as both champions focus on dangerous challengers, says promoter Eddie Hearn

"I think right now, let's just forget about that fight. The only good thing to come out of this is that we have two good heavyweight fights," promoter Eddie Hearn says there have been no recent talks about Joshua vs Fury

Promoter Eddie Hearn has not held any fresh talks about rescheduling Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury as both champions are in a 'very dangerous' position.

The undisputed world heavyweight title fight fell apart last month as WBC champion Tyson Fury was ordered by an arbitration judge to face Deontay Wilder, scheduled in Las Vegas on July 24, while Joshua is set to defend his world titles against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury's US promoter Bob Arum had suggested the Joshua fight could be rescheduled in December, but the unified champion's promoter Hearn admits negotiations cannot resume until both British rivals emerge victorious.

"Do you know what, I think right now, let's just forget about that fight," Hearn told Sky Sports.

"The only good thing to come out of this is that we have two good heavyweight fights. These aren't marking time fights for Fury and AJ. These are two competitive, dangerous fights.

"This summer, you've got Fury-Wilder and hopefully AJ-Usyk as well. Two good heavyweight fights.


I don't really want to get into that conversation. I want AJ to focus on Oleksandr Usyk.
Eddie Hearn

"Once those two nights are complete, let's go back to where we kicked off before, because right now, there's no conversations from the other side to us saying, 'Let's just get it in the diary for December or January.' I don't really want to get into that conversation. I want AJ to focus on Oleksandr Usyk.

"Any work that takes place will go on behind closed doors, but we can't make the same mistake that we made against Andy Ruiz, which was, 'We just want Wilder, we just want Wilder.'"

Wilder's team could potentially target an undisputed world title clash later this year, if the American defeats Fury, although co-manager Shelly Finkel is refusing to look past the trilogy fight.

"That would be the obvious next goal [undisputed fight with Joshua], but we can't even think there," Finkel told Sky Sports last month.

"We have to focus totally on this fight. This is what is in front of him. This is what's important and this is what Deontay's goal is.

"Nothing will be bigger than this, even if he were to then go on and defeat Joshua. This is the biggest thing for him."

Hearn is close to agreeing the Usyk fight, which is expected to be staged at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September.

He told Sky Sports: "We have both alerted the WBO, myself and [Usyk's promoter] Alex Krassyuk.

"Terms are agreed. The offer we made to them has been accepted.

"We move forward to paper that now. We are going through the contract with their team."

Wilder's former opponent Malik Scott has been given a leading role in the Alabama man's training team as they attempt to avenge Fury's seventh-round stoppage win last February.

Usyk has also posted a video on social media of him preparing to challenge Joshua, a fellow London 2012 Olympic gold medallist.

Oleksandr Usyk started the mind games ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua by sending him a message
"In the Wilder fight, technically he's not a danger for one second of the fight," Hearn told Sky Sports. "He does have the power to switch your lights off, in one second of the fight.

"Usyk, who is not a tremendous puncher, is probably one of the most technically gifted fighters pound-for-pound. But I think AJ likes that. I think he wants to face that style, but he also needs to be ruthless in that fight.

"Both of those fights very dangerous in their own right and we hope and pray that both the Brits come through."


https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12331087/anthony-joshua-vs-tyson-fury-is-no-longer-under-discussion-as-both-champions-focus-on-dangerous-challengers-says-promoter-eddie-hearn

 

[Firebat]

Joshua v Fury fight 'realistic' for February, says Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn says February is a "realistic" date for a heavyweight unification bout with Tyson Fury.

The all-British fight looked set for August before an arbitration hearing stated Deontay Wilder had a right to a third fight with Fury.

That has been scheduled for 9 October while Joshua makes a mandatory defence against Oleksandr Usyk on 25 September.

Hearn said talks with Fury's camp will take place after those fights.

"We always wanted to do it in December," Hearn said in an interview with TalkSport.

"But with AJ fighting 25 September and Fury now delayed until October, I think February is more realistic."

Fury, 32, is the WBC champion while Joshua, 31, has the WBO, WBA and IBF belts.

Both camps said they had agreed to fight in Saudi Arabia on 14 August, to decide the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.

With crowd restrictions having been lifted, Hearn said the showdown could now be held in the UK or Las Vegas, but no new talks had been held over the 'super fight'.

"I spent six months wasting my time so let's get these fights out of the way and let's see what happens," he added.

"We've pretty much got a deal in place from the last conversations that I think still works and everyone would be happy with.

"I do believe Tyson Fury wants the fight with Anthony Joshua, and I know AJ wants that fight more than ever, but there are certainly people within [Fury's] team that don't want the fight."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/57988322

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua: Eddie Hearn would be 'shocked' if Tyson Fury fight didn't happen

Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is desperate to fight Tyson Fury and fulfil his dream of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Fury, 33, was forced to shelve plans to fight Joshua after being ordered by an arbitrator to face Deontay Wilder, leaving fans gutted to see the undisputed showdown fall through.

Joshua defends his WBA (Super), IBF and WBO belts against Oleksandr Usyk next and AJ's promoter says he would be shocked if the Fury fight did not happen.

"I had zero support from Fury's team to get that fight made," Hearn said on BBC Sport's The Final Say.

"I don't want to speak badly about Fury's team, but I don't trust them. Really, we've got to look after ourselves and our own business, which is Oleksandr Usyk. The only thing that matters right now is that fight.

"I believe that Tyson Fury would fight Anthony Joshua. We know it's the biggest financial fight in boxing. I know for a fact AJ would fight Tyson Fury. I would be shocked if both won their upcoming fights and we didn't see that fight."

Team AJ has blamed Team Fury for the fight collapsing, while Fury's co-promoter Frank Warren has repeatedly insisted a deal was never signed.

Joshua opted to face his WBO mandatory Usyk after Fury signed to fight Wilder again - and Hearn revealed the 31-year-old would never entertain relinquishing one of his titles.

"The dream has always been to be undisputed," the Matchroom boss said of Joshua.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/58659019

 

[MenInG]

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has offered Anthony Joshua the chance to fight for his belt before the end of this year.

Fury, 34, is looking for an opponent after rival Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO, WBA and IBF champion, suggested he will not return to the ring until 2023.

Joshua was beaten by the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia last month.

Fury said in April he was retiring but has now offered fellow Briton Joshua the chance for a "rumble".

He said in a video posted on social media: "You've all heard that I'm going to be fighting within the next few months, and before I announce an opponent I need to do this just in case.

"Anthony Joshua, I know you've just lost a fight to Usyk, and I know you're belt-less at the moment, and I'd like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months.

"You're coming off a 12-round fight so you're match fit, you're ready, I'm giving you a few months' notice

"If you're interested I'll send you the date over and we can rumble - a battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world."

Fury had said he was retiring after beating Dillian Whyte in April, and also reiterated that claim just last month.

On Saturday, Furysaid he would announce his next opponent next week - but confirmed it will not be Usyk.

Uysk said on Friday of a fight with Fury: "It won't happen this year, that's for sure. I'm totally healthy and don't have any injuries, but I have old traumas which have resurfaced, and which need to be treated. I will need up to two months to recuperate."

BBC

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua responds to Tyson Fury's offer of British heavyweight clash, insisting he'll be 'ready in December'

Anthony Joshua says he would be ready to fight Tyson Fury 'in December' after the WBC champion proposed a "Battle of Britain" heavyweight clash.

Talks had begun to match Fury, the WBC titlist, with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian who beat Joshua last month to defend the unified WBO, WBA and IBF belts, in an undisputed heavyweight championship fight.

But it has emerged that Usyk will not be able to box again this year. It leaves Fury looking for an opponent. He wants that to be former champion Joshua next.

"I think you've all heard that I'm going to be fighting soon within the next few months," Fury said.

"I think that before I announce an opponent that I need to do this just in case.

"Anthony Joshua, I know you've just lost a fight to Usyk and you're bout-less at the moment, and I'd like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months," he said in a public address to Joshua.

"You're coming off a 12-round fight, so you're match fit, you're ready. I'm giving you a few months' notice.

"If you're interested I'll send you the date over and we can rumble. A battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.

"Let me know if you're interested, if not I will select another opponent."

Fury later repeated his offer to Joshua via Twitter on Monday evening, claiming he has both the "date and venue" arranged.

Joshua responded later that evening, directing Fury to his management team to discuss a deal.

"Yea calm," Joshua posted. "I don't do the online discussions just for clout, so if your really about it shout @258mgt.

"I'll be ready in December."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...ght-clash-insisting-hell-be-ready-in-december

 

[Robert]

Nice to hear Fury speak with respect and humility.

I expect him to win, but it’s another payday for AJ.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Tyson Fury all the way if the fight happens.

 

[shaz619]

Nice to hear Fury speak with respect and humility.

I expect him to win, but it’s another payday for AJ.

Tyson Fury all the way if the fight happens.

I think it’s more of a political move. Fury wants to fight Usyk in the winter, but Usyk does not.

Fury offering fights to others in the interim gives him more leverage and will potentially give Usyk’s team a scare who had already upset him in the past when they partly delayed an undisputed clash to instead face Joshua.

In any case, it’s hard to imagine Fury/AJ happen this year and AJ’s promoter has a massive ego who has created too much bad blood with his comments over the years.

My guess is Fury fights someone other then AJ this winter and an undisputed class is possible next year if Usyk is insistent on wanting a break etc

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I think it’s more of a political move. Fury wants to fight Usyk in the winter, but Usyk does not.

Fury offering fights to others in the interim gives him more leverage and will potentially give Usyk’s team a scare who had already upset him in the past when they partly delayed an undisputed clash to instead face Joshua.

In any case, it’s hard to imagine Fury/AJ happen this year and AJ’s promoter has a massive ego who has created too much bad blood with his comments over the years.

My guess is Fury fights someone other then AJ this winter and an undisputed class is possible next year if Usyk is insistent on wanting a break etc

Whoever Fury faces, I find it hard for him to not win.

 

[shaz619]

Whoever Fury faces, I find it hard for him to not win.

Agreed. But, this is Heavyweight boxing, all it takes is one punch, I don’t expect that to be Usyk but even Lennox Lewis lost to Hashim Rahman of all people

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Agreed. But, this is Heavyweight boxing, all it takes is one punch, I don’t expect that to be Usyk but even Lennox Lewis lost to Hashim Rahman of all people

Yes but Fury's tougher than he looks. He took Wilder's punches and was able to decisively beat him.

 

[shaz619]

Yes but Fury's tougher than he looks. He took Wilder's punches and was able to decisively beat him.

He has great powers of recovery for sure, and taking any punch from Wilder and to still be standing is something. But I have to credit Fury’s defensive instincts to because I don’t think he has taken a clean right hand from Wilder, in Rd 12 from the first fight, Wilder landed the right cross but Tyson was rolling with it by tilting his head to the right and moving away from it limiting its impact, he took the left hook clean though which dropped him. It’s remarkable that in a trilogy with a big puncher, he came out victorious. Wilder doesn’t get enough credit either.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Fury should be made to fight the Joyce when he likely beats Parker or whoever is the WBC mandatory.

AJ may not be great but Fury is taking a risk against a fellow Brit who can hit hard. If AJ beats Fury his legacy will be done.

Ignore the Hearn and Warren hype HW boxing is at its weakest in history. Both Fury and AJ may never have become champions if fighting 20 years ago.

Its not a fight I'd spend money to watch live.

 

[Manunited18]

Fury should be made to fight the Joyce when he likely beats Parker or whoever is the WBC mandatory.

AJ may not be great but Fury is taking a risk against a fellow Brit who can hit hard. If AJ beats Fury his legacy will be done.

Ignore the Hearn and Warren hype HW boxing is at its weakest in history. Both Fury and AJ may never have become champions if fighting 20 years ago.

Its not a fight I'd spend money to watch live.

Couldn't agree more. The weakest era of any heavyweight division i can remember. For me both Fury and Usyk who are widely recognised as the best in the division would be average Joe's in other eras.

 

[shaz619]

Fury should be made to fight the Joyce when he likely beats Parker or whoever is the WBC mandatory.

AJ may not be great but Fury is taking a risk against a fellow Brit who can hit hard. If AJ beats Fury his legacy will be done.

Ignore the Hearn and Warren hype HW boxing is at its weakest in history. Both Fury and AJ may never have become champions if fighting 20 years ago.

Its not a fight I'd spend money to watch live.

Couldn't agree more. The weakest era of any heavyweight division i can remember. For me both Fury and Usyk who are widely recognised as the best in the division would be average Joe's in other eras.

This era is vastly superior to the era of the Kiltchko brothers and this period of boom in the UK has never been seen before so consistently. I can see Fury being champion but not AJ in the past

 

[KingKhanWC]

Couldn't agree more. The weakest era of any heavyweight division i can remember. For me both Fury and Usyk who are widely recognised as the best in the division would be average Joe's in other eras.

My barber was confident Fury is the GOAT.

I asked him if Fury would beat Ali and Tyson, he said yes.

The other issue with boxing now causing this hype is the casuals outnumber real boxing fans. When Fury fought Whyte, groups of girls went to the fight for the hen doo lol.

The more money in boxing , the more fake hype , poor matchmaking.