By: Sean Crose
In the realm of boxing, a clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua was arguably the most anticipated match-up for the undisputed heavyweight title. Yet, this dream face-off has remained elusive. Both fighters have now succumbed twice to Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion. This reality dims the prospects of a Fury vs. Joshua bout settling the debate over the best heavyweight globally.
Nevertheless, there’s still plenty to get excited about if these two colossal figures were to meet in the ring. Fans remember the near face-off a few years back, and the suspense of who truly reigns supreme persists. Picturing a showdown at a venue like Wembley Stadium, filled with nearly 100,000 roaring fans, isn’t far-fetched. Besides, boxing enthusiasts beyond the UK, especially in the US, would surely be on the edge of their seats, eager to witness this showdown. Despite both fighters being past their prime, they’re far from being outdated fighters.
For those who follow the sport, it’s no secret that Fury retired, only he’s known to retract such declarations. On the other hand, Joshua appears keen on making this battle a reality. “Fury, commercially, is an incredible fight and a true man’s fight,” Joshua expressed to IFL TV. “It’s been years in the making.” Certainly, there’s an air of unfinished business among these heavyweight stars of the post-Klitschko era—Fury, Joshua, along with Usyk and Deontay Wilder.
Time, however, is a factor neither can ignore. As both men are now in their mid-thirties, they’ve endured numerous grueling matches, intensifying the urgency for this potential face-off. If Fury decides to step back into the ring, not only could it lead to a lucrative payday, but it might also offer both him and Joshua one last shot at reclaiming the limelight. With their latest defeats still fresh, a victory in what could be deemed a legacy-defining encounter might just be the perfect swan song for the winner, unless a rematch takes center stage.