As public negotiations and ultimatums build hype for a scrap between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, one question hasn’t yet been answered – what does Bob Arum think about all of this?
Boxing Social caught up with the boxing legend, who has promoted the likes of Roberto Duran but more recently Tyson Fury, at the Claressa Shield and Savannah Marshall press conference in London.
It seems that Arum hasn’t been involved with the negotiations thus far, and it’s unclear how much of a part Top Rank will play in the promotion should the fight be made. If they are involved, it potentially adds more broadcast rights drama to an already overflowing pot.
Whatever the situation, and despite the negotiations seemingly moving forward, Arum doesn’t believe the fight happens.
“I don’t think it’s gonna happen because, while Fury would want it to happen, I put myself in the shoes of Eddie Hearn and Joshua – and after losing twice to Usyk, the first thing you want to do is to get him back in the ring and get him two fights where it restores his confidence. If he goes back in the ring now with Fury, it’s gonna be a massacre.”
The Founder of Top Rank went on to describe the proposed purse split as fair, but that of course won’t matter should his thoughts on the all-British title fight be correct.
“I think that [the purse split] is pretty fair, right? I mean, Joshua’s not a champion anymore.”
“But again, let’s not jump – I don’t believe that Fury against Joshua will happen this year because everything that I know about boxing, from Joshua’s standpoint, indicates that it won’t happen.”
Just as fans were readying themselves for one of the biggest fights certainly in the history of UK boxing, in walks Bob Arum to provide a reality check. The American promoter, assuming he is still working in some capacity with Fury, has poured cold water on negotiations that continue to ramp up by the hour.