Next month will see Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in the ring, while Anthony Joshua has given indication that he may finally face off against the Gypsy King later this year – a long-anticipated showdown.
In September, Anthony Joshua has indicated that he may finally face Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King’s undisputed heavyweight championship bout against Oleksandr Usyk.
At the forthcoming Saudi Arabia match on May 18, Fury will compete against Usyk in a highly anticipated battle for the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF titles. During an interview with BBC Sport at the London Marathon about his own fighting plans, Joshua stated that they hinge upon what happens in the outcome of Fury vs Usyk.
Joshua spoke on BBC One about the changes happening in boxing, including a rising star named Turki Alalshikh who is captivating audiences. “He’s providing an incredible experience for fans and fulfilling their desires,” Joshua continued. He acknowledged that there is a high demand for him to fight Fury, saying “I share that desire with the fans” but gave no specifics on when or where it would happen. Nonetheless, he had faith that Alalshikh would make things happen in due time: “…he’s somebody who takes action – you can count on it being just around the corner.”
When queried about facing Fury next, Joshua insinuated that they might spar in September.
Joshua explained that the reason he had advised to be prepared for September was because of a heavyweight fight scheduled on June 1 between five contenders from each side, Eddie Hearn versus Frank Warren. To speak candidly, this was his stated rationale.
Joshua revealed that Fury will face Usyk in May, followed by Joshua’s own match in September. He expressed his amazement and excitement at the news after meeting with Alalshikh, who indicated they were determining AJ’s next move based on the outcome of this event.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, anticipates Alalshikh to arrange a showdown between Fury and AJ if the Gypsy King triumphs over Usyk in their upcoming match. This is despite the fact that there exists a rematch clause with Ukrainian fighter Usyk.
Earlier this month, Hearn confessed that he never imagined being comfortable admitting to not being the most influential person in boxing. However, according to him Turki Alalshikh is. Hearn went on praising Alalshikh as the greatest fight enthusiast he has ever come across with a massive appetite for remarkable moments and mega fights.
Fury and Usyk signed a contract for two fights, but if Fury manages to defeat Usyk in their initial bout, the global reaction will most likely discourage them from proceeding with another. The financial gain is substantial – exceeding £100 million per person.
