Tyson Fury has outlined three heavyweight boxers he is considering facing in November if negotiations with Anthony Joshua fail to materialize. The highly anticipated clash between the two British boxing stars is set for 20 November at Madison Square Garden in New York City, but ongoing discussions have proven to be complicated.
Promoters for both fighters have expressed differing views on the fight's logistics. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, has indicated that Joshua's contract stipulates a fight in the UK, whereas Frank Warren, representing Fury, has stated that the terms for Fury are more adaptable. This disparity has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the bout, which many fans view as one of the most significant matchups in British boxing history.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Shane Fury, Tyson's brother, has made it clear that Tyson will still fight on the scheduled date, regardless of whether Joshua is the opponent. Tyson Fury himself echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his unwillingness to wait indefinitely for Joshua, whom he referred to as a "freak" who is reluctant to engage in the fight.
In an Instagram video, Fury expressed his frustration, stating, "One thing for sure is I won’t wait for a sausage, who has been knocked spark out by Daniel Dubois, for long. I’ve waited 10 years for this, and I’ve been ready every single time. One thing I won’t be doing is wasting my later years, at 38 years old, with a freak who doesn’t want to fight."
Fury has mentioned several potential opponents, including Agit Kabayel, Filip Hrgovic, and Daniel Dubois, as he looks for alternatives should the Joshua fight not happen. He remarked, "There are plenty of world champions out there who do want to fight and do want to make some money, so I’ll be giving them a knock. There are plenty of men." However, Dubois is scheduled to face Fabio Wardley on 17 October in a WBO-title rematch, which may eliminate him from contention for the November date.
Filip Hrgovic, who recently won the vacant IBF heavyweight title by defeating Moses Itauma, could be a viable option for Fury. Hrgovic's recent performance showcased his resilience, as he came from behind to secure a victory, and he has expressed interest in future bouts against top contenders. After his victory, Hrgovic confronted Kabayel in the ring, indicating a desire to unify titles in the heavyweight division.
Fury last stepped into the ring in July, where he achieved a seventh-round stoppage over 47-year-old Mariusz Wach in a bout held in Thailand. This fight, however, was not broadcasted widely. In contrast, Joshua's most recent fight was against Kristian Prenga, where he secured a quick victory in two rounds but faced significant challenges, including being knocked down twice in the first round.
As both fighters navigate their respective paths, the boxing world remains eager to see if a showdown between Fury and Joshua will finally come to fruition, or if Fury will pivot to one of the alternative opponents he has mentioned.
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