Anthony Joshua may turn down Tyson Fury challenge
Anthony Joshua may turn down Tyson Fury’s lucrative challenge and instead opt for an alternative opponent when he returns to boxing, reports BritPanorama.
The 36-year-old former Olympic champion has yet to commit to facing Fury following a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Fury issued his challenge to Joshua after securing a points victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday evening.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua could pursue a bout with another high-profile fighter before potentially meeting the Gypsy King. Joshua is currently awaiting medical approval to resume full training following the tragic incident.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn addressed the contract situation: “I don’t know if Fury has signed or not, that is his business. If he has, then that is great.” He confirmed his team received the paperwork last week and are currently reviewing it, stressing that Joshua’s readiness is paramount given the circumstances.
Positive news emerged regarding Joshua’s physical condition, with Hearn revealing he is close to receiving clearance to resume intensive training. Hearn added: “We expect to see him back in the ring in July. The original plan was to fight in March, then to fight Tyson Fury in August. Given everything that has happened, that has been delayed. July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward.”
The promoter anticipates a July ring return, with November presented as a secondary option. Initial plans had targeted a March bout followed by an August clash with Fury, but recent events necessitated a revised schedule. Fury, 37, maintains he has completed his side of the agreement.
Fury remarked: “He’s just come off of a win, he broke a man’s jaw. And I’ve just come off of a win. Let’s get it on, let’s fight, we’re the same age. What’s the hold up? This fight was supposed to happen years ago. Now is the time to do it; it’s still the biggest fight in boxing.” He further stated: “I have signed my contract, it’s done. I signed months ago. I was surprised he didn’t get in the ring [after the fight with Makhmudov]. He was brought here to ringside for a reason, to do a face-off and get the fight done. He hasn’t signed but I cannot do any more.”
Both heavyweight boxers have remained engaged in the ring, with Joshua having been training alongside former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The anticipation surrounding prospects of this all-British showdown continues as the pair, separated by just a year in age, seek to overcome the hurdles that have prevented their matchup in the past.
In the world of boxing, the tug-of-war between Fury and Joshua encapsulates the sport’s complexities — how fame and fortune can lead to missed opportunities, and the harsh truths often simmering below the surface. The question remains whether they will collide under the bright lights, or if this rivalry will fade into yet another chapter of ‘what could have been.’
