Most observers and bookmakers feel Tyson Fury will have too much boxing nous for Anthony Joshua when the rival heavyweight champions meet in two titanic clashes in 2021.
In recent times, no fight has captured the imagination like Fury-Joshua, but as the bout moves closer to fruition and a contract stage after it was agreed in principle in June, there is one high profile name who is backing AJ to prevail.
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson believes WBA Super, WBO and IBF title-holder Joshua will have too much in his locker for the ‘Gypsy King’.
“I’ve gone public in saying I think Anthony Joshua is the all-round better fighter. I think Tyson Fury is better tactically and the more technically equipped, but AJ is the all-rounder,” Nelson told Talksport.
“He can fight, he can box, he’s an athlete. Tyson Fury is a boxer. I think both men are now at a stage where they’ve done so much and learned so much in their careers that they’re so neck and neck.
“But I’d go with Anthony Joshua because he’s shown me a lot more variety in his arsenal.”
WBC king Fury and unified champion Joshua must first navigate contracted fights in December against Deontay Wilder and Kubrat Pulev respectively. Fury is currently a 8/15 favourite with Betfred with Joshua 6/4. A draw is available 25/1.