Anthony Joshua Optimistic a Fight Against Tyson Fury Could Happen in June
The most anticipated fight in boxing for 2021 is a showdown between unified IBF/WBA ‘Super’/WBO World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) and WBC Heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs).
In June of 2020, they mutually agreed to a two-fight deal for 2021. Serious negotiations have been ongoing since the beginning of this year. According to Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, details are being hammered out.
“AJ” READY TO RUMBLE
Joshua gave an update during an exclusive interview with Sky News. He’s optimistic the fight will take place.
“I try not to do too much teasing. It’s coming closer to where things are getting back to normal. So, we’re working towards a date around June. If Tyson is serious, which I think he is, they’ll know where to come and fight the boss.
I’m ready, I’m really looking forward to competition. All I want to do is fight, fight, fight. I can’t wait to get back into the ring.”
A lingering question surrounds the locale. England has been under sporting restrictions due to COVID-19 protocols. All parties involved favor it happening in front of fans. As a result, the Middle East has been mentioned as a possible landing spot.
However, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently announced restrictions will be lifted in June. That would give a window for the showdown to happen on domestic soil. Asked about facing Fury on home turf in front of fans, Joshua says he just wants the fight to happen, full stop.
“Any option, home turf, Middle East, my back garden, your back garden. I don’t mind where it is, I’m just ready to fight, fight, fight. I want that belt, I want to compete with Tyson Fury. So honestly, all options are to me.
It was a blessing to have a thousand people in attendance when I fought last year December 12. Even though it was like a thousand fans, it makes a big difference.
To hopefully get to ten thousand, twenty thousand and then the whole world is back to normal. Having like ninety to a hundred thousand people in the stadium, I can’t wait. I can’t wait to rock the show and bring some entertainment back into people’s lives.”
IS THERE AN ANNOUNCEMENT IMMINENT?
The 31-year-old has been hinting that something is on the horizon. On February 23, he went to social disclose a meeting with his management, 258mgt.
They told him negotiations were going well. Joshua then went on to disclose a meeting with Eddie Hearn is planned, and further updates will be provided.
All boxing fans are crossing their fingers, hoping details get ironed out and this becomes a reality. Joshua v Fury would be the sport’s biggest event since Floyd Mayweather fought Manny Pacquiao in 2015. A bout of this magnitude would not only be the biggest fight of 2021, but it would be the biggest sports event of the year as well.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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