“The reality is there’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that’s Anthony Joshua. It’s the biggest fight in the history of British boxing and everyone will want to see it.”
Excuse me for opening with a quotation, but the above, stated by promoter Eddie Hearn to broadcaster DAZN in the aftermath of Fury’s unsuccessful attempt to topple unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, has got boxing fans once again wondering if a long-awaited showdown between the two highest profile UK heavyweights of the past decade could happen in the first half of 2025.
At this moment in time, both men are coming off defeats. Usyk has bested the pair of them twice to underline his dominance over the entire division, leaving Fury and Joshua looking for the most profitable way to begin rebuilding their respective careers. The answer lies in Hearn’s proposal. We can quibble over whether or not it would be the biggest fight in UK boxing history, but what is undeniable is the event would easily fill Wembley Stadium and create a huge buzz amongst boxing hardcores and casuals in the UK and beyond.
🗣️ “Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is the one”
Once the dust settles, still a blockbuster 2025 to be had 💥 #RiyadhSeason | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/sKcDY4Kbeq
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 22, 2024
No Titles But Who Cares?
If Fury (34-2-1, 24KOs) and Joshua (28-4, 25KOs) are to clash next, they would do so without either man holding a version of the world title. As noted, Fury failed to claim the unified crown from Usyk this past weekend, while Joshua was unable to capture the IBF strap against Daniel Dubois in September.
On that evening, Joshua was seen abandoning any form of a game plan and entering into a slugfest with Dubois. He claimed a second prize as he visited the mat four times en route to being knocked out in the fifth round by his younger opponent. The reported attendance inside Wembley for Joshua-Dubois was 96,000. That number underlines the ongoing popularity of stadium fights in the UK. Fury against Joshua could exceed that attendance if a way to increase capacity can be found.
Prior to losing against Dubois, Joshua had reeled off four wins in a stay-busy period between April 2023 and March 2024. It would be relatively simple for Joshua to acknowledge his error in being lured into a bombs-away battle with Dubois from the opening bell and point to his consistent performances before that to talk up his chances of beating Fury.
As for Fury – it is so soon after his second defeat to Usyk to get any real degree of clarity as to what he may do next, but the fact he believes he won Saturday’s contest and showed bitter disappointment in defeat suggests he still has an appetite for boxing. He still cares about his career. Facing and beating Joshua, even with no title at stake, would enhance Fury’s legacy.
Fury And Joshua Have Circled For Years
Being two successful heavyweights from the same country, a fight between Fury and Joshua has been speculated on for close to a decade. Their rivalry had a selling point – the more rugged and outrageous “Gypsy King” Fury against the clean-cut Olympic hero “AJ” Joshua. While that angle is unnecessary in 2025, it is worth mentioning to offer some historical context.
In 2021, it was reported that a two-fight deal between the English boxers had been agreed in principle. Fury, at that time the WBC champion, had to honor a deal to face Deontay Wilder for a third time, so the negotiations fell apart. Joshua also had past obligations as a unified champion – facing mandatory challengers instead of being free to pursue a bout with Fury. Along with meeting sanctioning body demands, a Fury-Joshua fight in the past also had to overcome promotional and broadcasting rivalry – something which couldn’t be achieved. Now, in the era of Riyadh Season and boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh turning once bitter promotional rivals Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren into best friends, no such problems exist.
The Saudi Arabian influence has also made any and all broadcasting issues evaporate – now, the bouts are available via all the sports outlets that broadcast boxing in the UK. It is simply up to the fans to pick their preferred broadcaster. With no obstacles in place, it makes perfect sense for Fury and Joshua to meet next. Wembley Stadium – or any other large football arena in England – would be full of fans, and Riyadh Season could bank on another successful international promotion.
Even Usyk Has Been Asked About Fury vs. Joshua
The recent speculation on Fury and Joshua facing off next infiltrated Usyk’s post-fight media obligations. Having shared 24 rounds with both English boxers, Usyk is well-placed to give his opinion on who would win the proposed matchup. “Maybe it is Anthony Joshua,” the unified champion said to Boxing King Media when asked to pick a winner between the two former title holders.
Fury vs. Joshua Sells on Name Recognition Alone
Wins, losses, titles and comparing performances against Usyk or even fellow common opponents Dillian Whyte, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou all slip into irrelevance when arguing the value of Fury facing Joshua in early 2025. Both men, certainly in the UK, have transcended boxing’s niche and are recognized by most of the general public. Tickets would sell quickly as the appetite to see the two domestic rivals face off in a high-stakes encounter would be healthy.
It would be talked up as a “can’t lose” bout for both, as defeat would make it very difficult to plot a path back to the heavyweight summit. That type of contemplation is for the future though. Financially, promotionally and from a sporting angle, it makes sense for Joshua and Fury to clash next. Early 2025 would be my preference.
The last word on this for now can go to Eddie Hearn. Elaborating on his opening comments, Hearn went into full promoter mode in championing Fury vs. Usyk: “That wasn’t a Tyson Fury who looked finished,” Hearn observed in reference to Fury’s effort against Usyk on December 21.
The promoter concluded, “It wasn’t a flat performance; it wasn’t a poor performance. He didn’t look gun-shy or like his punch resistance was in question. Tyson Fury is still potentially at the peak of his powers. Just not good enough to beat Oleksandr Usyk. For me AJ against Fury is the one. I’ll be pushing Turki Alalshikh to make the fight.”
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
