Bellew argued that the version of Fury that beat Deontay Wilder in their second fight would have stopped Makhmudov instead of settling for a decision.
“I think the Fury that went in with Wilder in the rematch gets rid of Makhmudov,” said Bellew to Fight Your Corner podcast. “I think he steps on him, and I think he just doesn’t stop.”
Froch agreed that Fury has slipped, estimating that the former heavyweight champion is now “seven out of 10” compared to his peak years.
The pair also questioned how much the long-awaited Fury-Joshua fight still means in 2026 after both fighters took losses and lost their unbeaten aura.
“They’ve both passed the best,” Froch said. “They’ve both been beat. There’s no world titles on the line.”
Bellew agreed the fight no longer carries the same feeling it would have had in 2019 or 2020, even though he still expects it to sell out Wembley Stadium.
The sharpest comment came when the discussion turned to legacy.
“I think it would ruin Tyson Fury if I’m being totally honest,” Bellew said when asked who needs the fight more.
Bellew argued that Joshua’s commercial standing in Britain is already secure regardless of future losses, while Fury has more to lose historically if he comes up short in the rivalry.
At the same time, Bellew warned against dismissing Joshua completely. He said the former two-time heavyweight champion still has the physical tools to stop anyone if he commits offensively instead of overthinking in the ring.
“The only thing I can fully really commit to and put my hand on my heart and say I genuinely think is going to happen is it ain’t going the distance,” Bellew said about a Fury-Joshua fight.
The fight is expected to take place later this year after both heavyweights take interim bouts.
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