The former two-time heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, may have another chance to step into the ring with WBC champion Tyson Fury next year. PUNCH Sports supplement the reports
A domestic fight between the pair was being discussed just weeks after Joshua’s second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk, but talks broke down when the two camps were unable to agree on the details of the deal.
However, co-promoter Bob Arum believes the fight could still happen, despite WBC king Fury vowing never to fight his British-Nigerian rival after the bout collapsed.
Fury has since changed his tune, so much so that Arum believes there is a slim chance the pair could clash next year.
He told Sky Sports: “Tyson was cut because he offered Josh a fight at the end of this year.
“(Derek) Chisora took it and Joshua agreed and then he walked out, so Tyson is really (annoyed) with Joshua and says he’s not going to fight. But let’s see.
“Joshua and Fury on the road could be a huge fight in the UK. We’ll have to see.”
Undefeated Fury is currently on course for an undisputed fight in March against two-time Joshua conqueror Usyk, who holds the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO titles.
The prospect of a showdown with Joshua won’t be entertained until he faces The Gypsy King from Ukraine in a clash between the undefeated.
Top Rank Boxing boss Arum said: “But one fight at a time.”
Joshua has remained firm in his belief that a fight with Fury will happen despite the back and forth between his rival.
“Well, on my behalf, I’d love the opportunity,” he told iDBoxing.
“The longer you leave it, it’s not good for anyone. So yes, I would love the opportunity. Good luck if he succeeds in his next fight.
“Then I think it will go uncontested, and then I’ll fight someone else. Then, hopefully, we both come out victorious, and then we look to fight each other.”
The 33-year-old is set to return to the ring in March, but an opponent has yet to be determined for the Olympic gold medalist’s return.
