‘Laughing stock’ – John Fury shares his honest opinion on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight
John Fury has shared his worries about the long-awaited fight between his son, Tyson, and Anthony Joshua in a strong interview. After years of waiting, Joshua and Fury will finally face off at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday, December 11.
This fight comes after Tyson’s recent comeback, following his fifth retirement last year—a decision John has spoken out against. He even said he hopes the Joshua fight never happens.
Before Tyson’s comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, John made it clear he didn’t want his son returning to boxing because of his age and the risks involved. Even though Tyson went ahead, John said it “completely destroyed” their relationship. Though they have been seen together since, it seems things still aren’t fully healed, as John criticized the Joshua fight.
“I hope it never happens,” John said in the BBC series Rivals. He explained that the concern isn’t just for Tyson but also for Joshua. No matter who loses, it will be tough for them to handle the backlash.
“They’ll get so much heat, the loser won’t cope with it. Even if they’re not at their best, they still have a lot of power and could hurt each other,” John said. “You don’t want either man, who’s been great, to end up being laughed at.”
For many fans, this fight feels like a last chance for both fighters to climb back into the heavyweight title race, which is wide open since Oleksandr Usyk moved back to cruiserweight. A big win in December could lead to a huge fight against one of the current heavyweight champions: Daniel Dubois (WBO), Filip Hrgovic (IBF), or Agit Kabayel (WBC).
Unfortunately for Tyson, if he wins and gets another shot at the title, it looks like he’ll have to do it without his dad’s support. John said he won’t be going to Cardiff to watch.
In an interview with Playbook Boxing, John said, “Honestly, no, I won’t be there. You’re more likely to see a cow fly than me going to that fight. I don’t like the people involved, and accidents can happen. Since I’m not involved, I don’t want to go.”
He went on, “I’ll do like his mum and wait to hear who wins. I don’t need to go and sit there feeling like an awkward guest at a wedding.”
John’s worries show how much he cares, even if he can’t fully support the fight.