By: Sean Crose
Tyson Fury, who has announced his retirement, is still considered by many to be the WBC heavyweight and heavyweight champion of the world. So when Tyson talks, the fans listen. And Tyson likes to talk – usually a lot. A recent statement by the towering English player certainly raised eyebrows. “This is a reconfirmation,” Fury claimed in a video posted on social media on Wednesday, “of what I said about fighting Anthony Joshua for being damned in England. That’s the way the war is, I signed a contract today, the fight must be free, free for our television, and all tickets are free. No money will be made from this historic British war if it happens. There are terms. I’m in the driver’s seat. Take it or throw it away. The ball is in your court. Either take or leave. Anyway. I do not care. There are suggestions. Go peacefully.”
The truth is that Joshua most likely has other things on his mind at the moment than meeting Fury. He is about to face Oleksandr Usyk for the second time, hoping to regain the title Usyk won from him last September in their first fight. The rematch, which will take place on August 20 in Saudi Arabia, is one of the biggest to come in an already exciting 2022. Considering Usyk defeated him fairly easily the first time they fought, Joshua will most likely keep his focus on the rematch, which is only a month away, not Fury.
As for Fury, he announced his retirement for the time being. Once again, the boxer dubbed the “King of Gypsy” always proved unpredictable in his actions. Provided Joshua regains the belt he lost to Usyk last year – and there’s no guarantee of that – is Fury really ready to go head-to-head with the man for free, with a lot of money obviously while on the road? Knowing Fury, anything is possible, but is Joshua ready to fight for anything? Boxing is not a sport for the elderly. After all, there’s only so much time to make money.
Curiously, about a year ago, it looked like Fury and Joshua would meet in the ring in Saudi Arabia to decide who was the undisputed heavyweight world champion. However, that fight ended at the eleventh hour. Needless to say, both boxers will make a lot of money if the fight is actually done.
