Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer, has reiterated his desire for a long-awaited bout with fellow Brit Tyson Fury, emphasizing that the time for their epic clash is now.
The tension between Joshua and Fury has been simmering for years, captivating fans worldwide who are eager to see the two heavyweights face off in the ring. Despite numerous close calls and negotiations, the much-anticipated fight has yet to happen.
However, Joshua, at 34, insists that the bout must be scheduled soon, given the physical toll that continued high-level boxing takes on a fighter’s career.
Currently, both Joshua and Fury are preparing for critical matches that could set the stage for their eventual showdown. Fury, 35, is slated for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in December, a fight expected to be another intense chapter in their rivalry.
Meanwhile, Joshua is gearing up for his IBF world title bout against Daniel Dubois on September 21. Victories in these respective fights could pave the way for the long-delayed Joshua vs. Fury encounter, potentially as soon as early 2025.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Joshua expressed his impatience for the fight, acknowledging the toll that prolonged anticipation can take on a boxer’s career. “It’s a fight that’s been brewing for a long time,” Joshua said. “I can’t wait until I’m 50 to fight Fury because I’d have had so many wars. I can’t sit around and wait; I’ve got to continue to fight.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn has echoed Joshua’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of this potential heavyweight clash. “In an ideal world, we have that fight next,” Hearn stated. “The situation is a little bit out of our hands, but we would absolutely love to go into that fight.”
As both fighters prepare for their upcoming challenges, the boxing world watches closely, hoping that 2024 could finally see the collision of these two titans. The prospect of Joshua and Fury in the ring together promises a spectacle that boxing enthusiasts have been craving for years.
