Newfound catalyst of boxing Turki Al-Alshikh has been at the forefront of the sport for almost twelve months now, crafting the type of cards that fans have been starved of in the past and making the impossible seem possible. Yet, the stars are yet to align for the long-awaited showdown between British heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, although the Saudi kingpin is confident that the mammoth encounter could be around the corner.
Anthony Joshua was left bewildered and estranged from the heavyweight throne after successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, appearing to mark the end of the ‘AJ’ era that has been all too fruitful for British boxing. However, the two-time champion’s decision to appoint former Fury trainer Ben Davison has paid dividends to say the least.
Unconvincing displays against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius were soon forgotten about after authoritative stoppage triumphs over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou and now Joshua finds himself within touching distance of becoming boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion, as he gears up to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF crown.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury lost his WBC title to Usyk back in May in what can only be described as a historic, instant-classic affair that will live long in the memory, yet those efforts count for little on his professional record – where a first career defeat was marked.
‘The Gypsy King’ will seek vengeance later this year, after activating his rematch clause and agreeing a deal to fight Usyk on December 21st in a possibly career-defining bout. Although, Al-Alshikh told The Stomping Ground that hopes of witnessing Joshua-Fury should not dwindle, even if the 6’9” superstar comes up short against Usyk once again.
“Joshua, if he wins, I think he will wait for the result of Tyson and Usyk. These are the big fights, and everyone is waiting for it. If Tyson wins, that means we must see Joshua-Tyson.
“It is one of the biggest fights in boxing, all of the people want to see it. Even if they have lost before, it doesn’t mean [there is no interest], everyone wants to see it.
“I will tell you the clear answers. First of all, if Usyk wins then he deserves to choose big fights, this will be his right. If he chooses Joshua and he accepts, we want to do this fight and still at the same time, we want to see Tyson and Joshua. Let’s see Tyson on this night [in the rematch with Usyk] and what he will do.
“If he still wants to fight and gives us a great fight on December 21st, for sure he want to see him against Joshua. This will be huge for fans and for boxing.”
Joshua-Dubois takes place on September 21st at Wembley Stadium in London, topping a bill that features a plethora of British talent, in what will be a third all-British heavyweight world title contest in as many years.
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