Former World title challenger Hughie Fury is targeting a showdown with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, and is looking to manoeuvre into a mandatory position, according to his father and trainer Peter Fury.
Fury, who guided nephew Tyson Fury to a sensational upset victory over long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko in December 2015, stated that Hughie is ready to face Joshua – and even claimed that they “would challenge for it tomorrow” if the opportunity presented itself.
“He’s ready.” Fury told Sky Sports.
“If we could challenge for it tomorrow, we would. We’re just going to see who we can get, and get him back in the mandatory position as soon as possible.”
While his confidence in his son is undoubted, Peter Fury would admit that they would have to take their time in forcing a fight with Joshua, who is widely expected to face Russian Alexander Povetkin in a mandatory defence of his WBO title next.
“We wholeheartedly believe in Hughie and we’re looking forward to getting there, but that’s not quite going to be yet, so we have to look at the next fight, and take it from there.
“As soon as it [the Joshua fight] becomes available, if Hughie is fortunate enough to be in that position, we’ll gladly take it.”
It would appear that the quickest route to a shot against Joshua would be via the IBF rankings, with Fury holding a Top 5 ranking with the governing body.
In order to move into the mandatory challenger position, a likely opponent for Fury would be the once-beaten Bulgarian contender Kubrat Pulev, who himself currently occupies the number one contender status.
Fury confirmed his interest in any potential bout with Pulev, claiming that Mick Hennessy – who promotes Hughie – is looking at the possibility of making a fight between the two.
“It would be a good fight between Pulev and Hughie.” said Peter Fury.
“That’s a fight we would definitely be interested in, if it could be made. I know Mick is looking at all options at the moment.”