There is no doubt that a fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would sell out a stadium, with Croke Park in Ireland suggested as a possible venue. But it’s less clear whether such a fight would actually be in Fury’s long-term interests. If Fury is keen to regain a world title, a fight against Joshua might serve no useful purpose. Joshua is likely on the decline, having lost by knockout in the 5th round in his last serious heavyweight fight on September 21, 2024 against then IBF World Champion Daniel Dubois.
If Fury comes out of retirement to become a three-time world champion, he should take a greater interest in the career paths of the current heavyweight world champions.
Fury has stated that he is willing to fight unified World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk only if there is a level playing field. However, if Fury ultimately decides that he will not be treated fairly, if his potential world title fight with Usyk goes to the judges’ scorecards, he will have to seek a title fight against the WBO belt holder.
That man is currently Fabio Wardley. Wardley fights Daniel Dubois for the WBO world title on May 9 in Manchester, England. Assuming Wardley wins this fight, he has said that he is willing to fight Fury. With Father Time catching up with the 37-year-old Gypsy King, it would be better for Fury to fight Wardley for his world title sooner rather than later.
However, this comes with its own risks as Fabio Wardley is younger than Fury. Furthermore, Wardley is hungry and at the peak of his powers, coming off a TKO victory over former World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker on October 25 last year for the WBO interim heavyweight title.
All things considered, there would be no shame in admitting to Fury that it’s just not worth the risk to continue fighting. If his win against Makhmudov was his last fight, Fury would at least ensure he goes out on a high.
Tyson Fury is a proud man. As the saying goes, pride comes before a fall. Time is against him. Fury’s true fans will understand if he decides to bow out now. As former World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder said last weekend after his win against Derek Chisora, boxers need to look out for their own well-being.
There comes a time when you must put your own interests and, more importantly, your own well-being above the wishes of others. That time may be now for Tyson Fury.
Roman Cherubim
Freelance journalist
UK
