A confident Tyson Fury has claimed he’s capable of seeing off Anthony Joshua inside two rounds ahead of their expected 2021 showdown.
A heavyweight mega-fight between Fury and Joshua is edging closer and is set to be among the sporting highlights of the year.
Fury defeated Deontay Wilder to win the WBC heavyweight title in February and Joshua successfully defended his WBA, WBO and IBF titles against Kubrat Pulev last month.
The paths of the British boxers could now cross later this year to set up a heavyweight unification fight and possibly the biggest bout of all time.
‘The Gypsy King’ has predicted that he will land an early knockout win against his rival and the 32-year-old was in typical bullish mood when speaking to Fox Miami.
“In his last two fights, he’s not in form. On mine, I am, so momentum is with me,” said Fury.
He added: “I just believe, take him out early – very early – maybe even one round or two rounds.
“I don’t believe he’s as good as people crack him up to be, or he doesn’t believe he is in his own self.
“He’s got a confidence issue. He’s coming off two shaky performances and boxing is all about who is in form and who isn’t.”
Plans Still Being Finalised
The financial terms of what would be a multi-million payday for both fighters are said to have been agreed, but there are still some issues to iron out in terms of the venue.
Joshua and Fury have expressed a desire for the fight to take place in the UK, but promoter Eddie Hearn has been cooler on the idea.
‘AJ’ returned to fight at Wembley Arena last month, but his previous two fights had taken place in Saudi Arabia and New York. ‘The Gypsy King’ hasn’t fought on home soil since he took on Francesco Pianeta in Belfast in 2018 and his last four bouts have all taken place in the US.
The current Covid-19 situation has complicated matters and Hearn has conceded that clearance for a full capacity crowd would be needed for the fight to take place on home soil.
“Both camps have a responsibility to maximise the revenue for their biggest fight – this is the pinnacle of their careers, the biggest moment, nothing will ever beat it,” Hearn recently told Sky Sports.
“At the same time, we all recognise this is two Brits fighting for the undisputed championship of the world. If there is a way to do it in the UK? Fantastic.”
Fury fancied for Battle of Britain
There’s no doubt that a battle in Britain would be a huge boost for fight fans, but the venue is unlikely to have any bearing on the outcome of the contest.
‘AJ’ won his titles back in a rematch against Andy Ruiz in 2019, but there wasn’t much to shout about in that performance. The Watford whacker got the job done against 39-year-old Pulev last time out, but again it wasn’t an overly dazzling performance.
Joshua, who is currently available at 7/5 to win, has been knocked down by Wladimir Klitschko, stopped by Ruiz and rocked by an inexperienced Dillian Whyte in his career and his ability does really look to be overplayed.
It’s almost forgotten that Fury is still unbeaten and even when being floored by Wilder, the biggest puncher in the division, the Morecambe man was able to get up off the canvas.
‘The Gypsy King’ doesn’t boast huge one-punch power, but he has the skills, movement and size, while Joshua’s suspect chin is likely to prove an easy target to hit.
Fury looks a solid bet to win at 10/19 and he can be supported for a stoppage victory nearer the time.
*All odds correct at time of writing