Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: The All-British superfight

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A fight between British heavyweight boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, is a dream come true for boxing fans worldwide. This almost came true a year ago, with the clash was set to be held in Saudi Arabia. However, it could not proceed as Fury was unavailable due to a scheduled fight with Deontay Wilder. Since then, Fury and Joshua have had divergent careers. While Joshua has been out of form and lost three of his last five fights, Fury has made appearances at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and hinted at retirement on several occasions.

It thus came as a surprise and delight to fans when Fury took to social media to challenge Joshua to a fight, which has subsequently been confirmed and will be held on the 3^rd of December. While the clash between the British heavyweights is sure to draw crowds, it is still as big a superfight as it was a year ago? Some have argued that a clash between Fury and WBA, IBF, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk is a bigger crowdpleaser now. The Ukrainian Usyk, who recently faced Joshua in Saudi Arabia, has only faced 3 heavyweights since he moved up from the crugerweight category, and the title would be a true test for the undefeated star. Moreover, his public standing has increased after he participated in Ukraine’s retaliation to Russia’s invasion, and the defence of his titles against Joshua. However, with indications that he is on a boxing hiatus till 2023, a Joshua – Fury clash is the biggest possible draw of the moment.

Joshua’s form has cast further doubts on the clash and how equally it will be fought between the heavyweights. He had a dip in 2019 after a defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr., only to reclaim his title in six months at a rematch. He has since then lost to Usyk twice, in September 2021 and again in August. However, Joshua, who has often been questioned for his technical abilities, has proved critics wrong in the past with his win over boxing greats such as Joseph Parker and Ruiz Jr. A Fury-Joshua fight could well be the spark needed to reignite the fire within him.

Fury himself may be taking the opportunity to register a win against Joshua, knowing that his opponent is now vulnerable. However, he is a boxing superstar in his own right, and draws huge crowds with his involvement in reality television, WWE, and his publicized journey in addiction and mental health. It remains to be seen if the Fury-Joshu clash indeed takes place, and how thrilling it turns out to be.