Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to make his return this Saturday against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While no titles are on the line, a victory for Fury could finally pave the way for a highly anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua – a ‘super all-British fight’ that has eluded the sport for a generation.
Joshua, however, has not yet confirmed his plans to fight again following a tragic car accident in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two close friends, just days after his bout with Jake Paul. Fury stated that this incident motivated his return to boxing, reflecting that “tomorrow is a mystery, and we must live for today.”
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Fury affirmed his wish to face Joshua next. “This fight was supposed to happen so many times over the past 10 years, but then somebody had one more fight in between, and somebody got knocked out or injured,” said the 37-year-old.
“The problem is, in heavyweight boxing, anything can go wrong, there are no easy fights. And if you get put on your back, it’s over, it’s done,” Fury explained. “I want the next fight, and I’m sure AJ feels the same.” However, some observers believe such a duel might be coming too late, with both heavyweights (Joshua is 36) nearing the end of their careers.