Tyson Fury has claimed that Anthony Joshua is fighting for a last big payday when the two meet on December 11. He also says he plans to keep boxing afterwards.
Both men are former heavyweight world champions and long-time British rivals. They have never fought each other. The bout will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Fury, 38, said he never expected the fight to happen. Speaking to WSVN Miami from his training camp, he said Joshua turned it down four or five times. “I didn’t think he had the minerals to get in there with the GK,” Fury said. He added that Joshua now wants a final payday and that he will happily give it to him.
Fury believes fans will witness the end of an era. He described the pair as modern-day gladiators who will fight for pride, glory and a huge amount of money.
He has two fights left on his contract. After that, he said, he would probably sign another 10-fight deal if the money is right. He said the fights would have to come quickly because he is getting older and is nearing his 40th contest.
His main target is a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Fury still disputes the decision that went against him in their second bout. He also called himself the best heavyweight ever to put on gloves.
Demand for the Cardiff fight has been huge. More than 500,000 fans queued for tickets, but only 80,000 were put on sale. The ring walk is set for 1am to suit American audiences.
Fury is expected to start as favourite. Don Charles, trainer of Daniel Dubois, is also backing him. Charles said Joshua has lost his jab as a weapon since his 2019 defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua, 37, said he will embrace the pressure of the occasion. He said that when the work is done, pressure becomes something that drives a fighter forward. He spoke at the launch of Under Armour’s HeatGear and ColdGear baselayers.
