Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury: A Fan Dream or a Matchup Closer to Reality?
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After Tyson Fury’s decisive knockout against Deontay Wilder nearly a year ago, boxing fans have been calling for the Lineal Heavyweight champ of the world to take on countryman Anthony Joshua.
Multiple media outlets have reported that promoters Bob Arum and Eddie Hern have discussed a matchup between the two fighters, and a deal is close to being done. Arum has stated that the contract negotiations are still in the early stages but that he is hopeful the fight will be scheduled for May or June.
The fighters themselves have shown equal enthusiasm, both respectful of their potential opponent’s own prowess.
“I’ve been chasing the belts since I started this. It’s not about the man, it’s about the belt and the legacy,” said Joshua, following his victory against Pulev in December of last year. “If it’s Tyson Fury with the WBC belt, then let it be Tyson Fury.”
Fury had a few words of his own for the British Champ.
“I’ve been willing to take the fight for the last five years,” Tyson said, “it’s not happened so far but I’m very optimistic it will happen in 2021.”
While the bout looks promising, there are still a few things that could get in the way. The first hurdle was cleared in December when Joshua beat IBF Mandatory Pulev. Now Tyson Fury must settle his dispute with Deontay Wilder, who is demanding a third fight against the Gypsy King.
Fury retains that the contract is no longer valid but the Bronze Bomber has claimed otherwise. Wilder currently plans to take the contract dispute to arbitration, which could take some and cause delays to the Joshua fight.
Additionally, If the WBO decides that Joshua must fight Oleksander Usyk as his mandatory, they could strip the belt from Joshua. If this were to happen, then it would remove the stake of the title of undisputed champ from the Fury vs Joshua fight. While this wouldn’t stop the fight, it would mean the winner would later have to fight Usyk to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Although there is still a lot that is undecided, one fact remains; the heavyweight division is looking better than ever, and a fight between two greats like Joshua and Fury would only be a testament to that fact.