Tyson Fury is open to a surprise world title fight after Moses Itauma’s unexpected loss.
Tyson Fury is open to the idea of fighting Filip Hrgovic after Hrgovic’s amazing win over Moses Itauma on Saturday night.
Right now, Fury is training hard in Miami, getting ready for a big possible fight against Anthony Joshua at the end of the year. But there are doubts about if the fight will actually happen because they can’t agree on where to hold it. Netflix even made a cool promo for the fight weeks ago, and many boxing fans have been waiting for it.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, wants the fight in the UK, ideally at Wembley Stadium. On the other hand, Turki Alalshikh and his Saudi team want it to be at Madison Square Garden in New York. Fury doesn’t mind fighting outside the UK, but Hearn has warned he might pull Joshua out, which has caused some heated back-and-forth between Fury and Hearn.
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, said Joshua has until Friday, September 4, to agree to fight in America, or the fight will be off. Fury is already okay with that outcome. If the fight with Joshua doesn’t happen, Fury is willing to fight German boxer Agit Kabayel, who’s undefeated and a tough challenger. Fury’s brother, Shane, said a replacement opponent would be ready if needed.
On Saturday, Croatian Filip Hrgovic surprised everyone by beating the favorite, Moses Itauma, to win the IBF title at the O2 Arena. Hrgovic is now Croatia’s first heavyweight champion. Itauma was ahead on points but was stopped in the ninth round. He’s expected to come back stronger after this loss.
Hrgovic is getting lots of praise and will probably face the IBF’s top contender, Frank Sanchez, next. But if that fight doesn’t happen, Fury said he’s ready for a title shot against Hrgovic. “If the money is right, I’ll fight anybody,” Fury said, showing he’s open to fighting the Croatian.
Fury was at a Bare Knuckle Boxing event in Miami the same night as Hrgovic’s win. He also shared a quick update on talks with Anthony Joshua: “I’m training for the biggest fight in boxing,” he said. “Eddie Hearn and AJ want a bit more money, as usual. I don’t think they’re scared. We’re all prizefighters. When the deal is right, I’m sure they’ll sign.”