Fury Bashes Joshua and Potential Mega-Fight with UFC Champ Ngannou: Middle East Buzz
Heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury Bashes Joshua, accusing him of evading a long-awaited showdown that was originally scheduled for September. Joshua, seemingly unbothered by Fury's remarks, has opted to focus on a rematch with Dillian Whyte, set to take place on August 12 at the O2 Arena in London. If victorious, Joshua aims to set his sights on a potential match-up with Deontay Wilder in December. In the past, as part of his narrative, Fury has claimed impressive victories against both Whyte and Wilder, with knockout wins in 2022 and 2020-21 respectively. Additionally, the self-proclaimed 'Gypsy King' Fury bashes Joshua for ducking him and expresses his doubts regarding the likelihood of a future bout with Joshua. “Ever since 2017, I've been keen on fighting Joshua, but he seems apprehensive. He may lack the nerve to go toe-to-toe with someone like me," Fury elaborated during his appearance on the Out Of Interest podcast, stoking the flame. Unshaken and exuding confidence in his stance, Fury insists that Joshua might not be ready to take on a challenger of his stature. The direction of Fury's next match hangs in the balance, with rumours swirling of an imminent game-changing announcement. Speculation abounds that Fury might step into a crossover bout with former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou. Although Fury avoided giving a definite confirmation, he did admit to receiving several enticing offers from the Middle East, adding another layer to the ongoing saga. Ngannou's desire to transition to boxing and square off with Fury is no secret. Ngannou even showed up at one of Fury's earlier fights, taking the opportunity to confront him in the ring. Fury acknowledges the potential of this matchup, stating, “There's plenty of chatter about a prospective face-off between Ngannou and myself. We've received significant offers from the Middle East to host this bout over the summer.” Previously, Eddie Hearn also teased the Fury and Ngannou showdown. In replying to the question at Boxing Social Show “It’s rumored that Tyson Fury’s next opponent will be Francis Ngannou,” he answered. “Yes, I believe so.” “This is what I’ve heard: It would be an exhibition apparently, no knockdowns or anything.” I don’t know, I mean I’m only telling you what I’ve heard. Who knows what’s what, but I think that is, apparently, what is going to be the next fight [for Fury]. [It’s] disappointing, but it is what it is.” “Good for boxing or not, it’s a big event. I wanted to see him fight Usyk, it’d be nice to get an undisputed champion. But look: Tyson’s in charge of his own career and I’m sure he’s gonna make a load of money and good luck to him racking up a quick one-offer.” Even Frank Warren, Fury's promoter, had earlier hinted at a major revelation about Fury's subsequent match, suggesting it could redefine boxing as we know it. If the speculation of a showdown with Ngannou is true, it would indeed be a cross-sport spectacle comparable to the iconic Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather fight.
