Anthony Joshua offers fresh hope Tyson Fury fight will happen next

The British heavyweights could meet in 2021 to confirm an undisputed champion in the division

Jack Rathborn
Tuesday 05 January 2021 05:41 EST
Comments
Tyson Fury responds to Anthony Joshua insult

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Anthony Joshua has given fresh hope that he will fight fellow world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury next with the belief that Oleksandr Usyk will step aside to allow the undisputed fight to take place in 2021.

The Ukrainian is the mandatory challenger with the WBO and will need to be paid to step aside with further guarantees of a shot within a certain period of time.

Joshua, who dispatched Kubrat Pulev last time out, could meet Fury this year to decide the first undisputed champion at heavyweight since Lennox Lewis, who achieved the feat in 1999 with victory over Evander Holyfield.

And Joshua believes Usyk will gladly wait for his opportunity following his victory over Derek Chisora last time out as he continues his journey in the division after moving up from cruiserweight.

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and why it’s time in 2021 for boxing to just make the fights that matter

“I think Usyk will be keen to step aside and let the fight happen,” Joshua said.

“We've reached out to his management team. He's a reasonable person and he'll understand the magnitude of this situation.

“If I go right I've got Tyson Fury - tough fight. If I go left, I've got Usyk, another tough fight. Ideally I'll go right but ultimately all I want to do is focus on the fight. It's a challenge for me.

“I respect Fury, he's done great things. But I want to challenge myself. If that's with Tyson Fury for the WBC title I promise you I will go that route. I will take that opportunity with both hands and both feet.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in