Anthony Joshua has said that he hopes to fight Tyson Fury in 2025.
Matchroom Boxing’s AJ and Queensberry Promotions’ Fury have had a long-time rivalry in the heavyweight division for the best part of a decade now, with boxing fans worldwide eagerly awaiting the day that the two men finally come to blows in the squared circle to determine who is the better fighter.
And it seems as though fight fans may not have to wait much longer to see a bout take place, with Joshua recently revealing that he hopes to settle the score with Fury this year. Speaking with Channels Television about his aims for the future, Joshua explained: “Three-time world champion, and Tyson Fury.”
When asked about a time frame for a lucrative bout with the ‘Gypsy King’, the pugilist added: “I’m not sure, but that’s my target,” before looking directly into the camera and adding: “2025, I’m targeting Tyson Fury.” Media then asked Joshua if he thinks he has a chance against Fury following his recent unanimous-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk, to which the 35-year-old said: “We’ll see, let us get in the ring. Only God knows, but for me we’ll see in the future.”
He also dropped a hint that he would like to face his British foe as soon as possible in 2025, adding: “Time is of the essence, time is limited. So, I just want to put in more work. In 2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more, and I have another chance in 2025 to do more. Im going to make sure that I take every opportunity that comes my way.”
He continued: “Ups and downs, they happen. To some people, it is always up. My life is up and down, so I have got to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave. I cant stop now. I have to keep going until I reach my destination.”
Joshua is looking to bounce back after being stripped of his world titles by Usyk and failing to recapture the IBF belt against Daniel Dubois last year when he was brutally knocked out in the fifth round.
AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has named Dubois and Fury as his only two viable options, though the former is booked in to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February first and expressed a desire to rematch Usyk for all the marbles.
Fury, who is now titleless after back-to-back losses against Usyk, could yet retire. After his second defeat to the Ukrainian, he admitted, “You might see me in a boxing ring again, you might not.” However, The Sun claimed that he has told close friends he’s ‘not done,’ which has only ramped up speculation of an all-British showdown with Joshua.
The pair have been exchanging verbal digs for years and even agreed on the finances for a two-fight deal before talks collapsed. Now, with both men looking to rebuild, fans will hope they might finally get to see it in 2025.
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