There is no doubt that a fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would sell out a stadium, with Croke Park in Ireland being mooted as a possible venue. But it is less clear whether such a fight would really be in the long-term interests of Fury. If Fury is keen to regain a world title, a fight against Joshua may not serve any useful purpose. Joshua is arguably on the decline, having lost by knockout in the 5th Round in his last serious heavyweight fight on 21 September 2024 against then IBF World Champion Daniel Dubois.
If Fury came out of retirement to become a three-time world champion, he should take a greater interest in the career paths of the current world champions in the heavyweight division.
Fury has stated that he is willing to fight the unified World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk only if there is a level playing field. If Fury, however, ultimately decides that he will not be treated fairly, if his potential world title fight with Usyk goes to the judges’ scorecards, he will have to seek a title fight against the WBO belt holder.
That man is currently Fabio Wardley. Wardley is fighting Daniel Dubois for the WBO world title on 09 May in Manchester, England. Assuming that Wardley wins this fight, he has said that he is willing to fight Fury. Given that Father Time is catching up to the 37-year-old Gypsy King, it would be better for Fury to fight Wardley for his world title sooner rather than later.
This, however, comes with its own risks, as Fabio Wardley is younger than Fury. Further, Wardley is hungry and at the peak of his powers, coming off a TKO win against former World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker on 25 October last year for the WBO interim heavyweight title.
All things considered, there would be no shame in Fury admitting that continuing to fight is just not worth the risk. If his victory against Makhmudov was his last fight, Fury would, at least, ensure that he was going out on a high.
Tyson Fury is a proud man. As the saying goes, though, pride comes before a fall. Time is against him. Fury’s true fans will understand if he decides to bow out now. As former World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder said last weekend after his win against Derek Chisora, boxers have to look out for their own well-being.
There comes a time when you have to put your own interests and, more importantly, your own well-being, above the wishes of others. That time may be now for Tyson Fury.
Romer Cherubim
Freelance journalist
UK
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