Tyson Fury might finally end the guessing game and confirm what everyone’s been waiting for: a fight with Anthony Joshua. At least, that’s what promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping for. Fury’s been making mysterious noises on social media about a return to the ring after “retiring” (again) following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December. Because of course, retirement in boxing is more of a suggestion than a commitment.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s not exactly twiddling his thumbs he’s recovering from keyhole elbow surgery, but Hearn insists there’s still a “clear path” to the Fury fight once AJ’s back in one piece. And for once, negotiations might not be the usual circus, with Hearn and Frank Warren (Fury’s promoter) apparently on speaking terms that don’t involve shouting.
The best part? No world titles are clogging up the works, since neither man is holding a belt anymore. That makes this purely about pride… and, let’s be honest, money.
Still, if Fury keeps us all waiting, Hearn’s not short on backup plans. If Daniel Dubois somehow beats Usyk in July (big if), then maybe AJ takes a swing at the new undisputed champ. Or maybe it’s a runback with Dillian Whyte, who’s suddenly reappeared and says he’s fighting again in June. The heavyweight division always a soap opera.
“I know one thing on AJ’s mind is Tyson Fury,” said Hearn, “but it’s kind of out of our hands.” Translation: please just text us back, Tyson.
And here’s the kicker this might be AJ’s final lap. He’s 35 now, and Hearn’s already talking like this is the beginning of the end. The goal? Three more fights, then maybe it’s goodbye.
Initially, a Whyte rematch looked nailed on, but now Whyte’s apparently heading to Saudi for a dust-up with 20 year old up-and-comer Moses Itauma. Didn’t see that one coming.
As for Deontay Wilder? He’s still lurking, but it’s hard to take the matchup seriously after four losses in his last five, including one to Zhilei Zhang, who’s 42 and still somehow flattening people. Wilder’s return later this month might reignite some interest, but AJ-Wilder isn’t feeling red hot right now.
So what’s next for Joshua? Fury, maybe. Dubois, perhaps. Whyte, possibly. Retirement? It’s on the radar.
All we need now is for Tyson Fury to stop being cryptic and start being useful.
