One way Anthony Joshua can fight Tyson Fury this year

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are two of the best heavyweights of their era. The fact that they both hail from the UK is celebrated by everyone there. However, who is better among the two? This will only be answered if they go head-to-head, which unfortunately has not happened yet. This was because of contractual disputes in the past. However, with the involvement of Saudi Arabia, this could soon be a reality. Especially, if Oleksandr Usyk were to pull out of the fight with Fury. In such a case, his Excellency, Turki Alalshikh has wished for Fury to take on Joshua.

Currently, Fury is scheduled to take on Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Therefore, an undisputed heavyweight champion will be crowned for the 1st time since Lennox Lewis, who achieved the feat in 1999. The fight between Usyk and Fury is dubbed as ‘Ring of Fire’. Earlier, the two were supposed to fight in February, but Fury injured himself while sparring leading to the fight being postponed to May 18.

Turki Alalshikh’s clause for Fury vs. Usyk

His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh intervened when there were doubts regarding Fury’s commitment to fight Usyk after his injury. Alalshikh brought both fighters back to the negotiating table and new stipulations were added to their fight contract.

A major one among these was a penalty of $10 million for either fighter if they were to pull out from the May 18 fight. This just shows how committed Saudi Arabia is to making the biggest fights in boxing a reality. Interestingly, this fight also has a rematch clause irrespective of who wins. Hence, making it difficult for Joshua to take on Fury or Usyk at the earliest. Moreover, Joshua already believes he should be champion since he defeated Ngannou who according to Joshua won his fight against Fury.

Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury

Another facet of the Fury vs. Usyk fight is that if Fury pulls out, Usyk will have the opportunity to choose an opponent of his liking. However, if Usyk pulls out, Turki Alalshikh wishes for Fury to take on Anthony Joshua. Considering, that both Fury and Joshua are coming toward the tail end of their careers, Alalshikh is eager to make this fight a reality as soon as possible.

Boxing is an unpredictable sport, which has disappointed fans in the past. As such, a plan for when things could go wrong is much appreciated by them.

Anthony Joshua to retire at 35?

Joshua has always maintained that he wants to retire on his own terms. As such, on his appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show, the heavyweight clarified a few things about his retirement plans.

I’ve always said 35. I’m 35 in October, I’m thinking another two years or so if my body holds out. I’ve set up certain businesses that I can transition into naturally which don’t rely on me being at the forefront.

Anthony Joshua via The Jonathan Ross Show

The Brit hopes he can fight for another 2 years given that his body supports him in this endeavor. After his recent victory over Francis Ngannou, the former champion is flying high, but has plans to return to the ring in September.

This will likely take place at Wembley Stadium against the victor of the Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois fight.

However, Turki Alalshikh might have other plans as he has teased something big at Wembley in September. Many speculate it could be a fight between Joshua and Fury.

In case you missed it!

• “Better stay five meters away from me!” Francis Ngannou silences Tyson Fury with ‘finger snap’ after BOLD warning to heavyweight champion
• “If I box Tyson Fury,” Anthony Joshua was not surprised at all after the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight

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