LONDON (AP) — Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua shared smiles and friendly banter on Wednesday as they finally stood together to promote the heavyweight showdown boxing fans have anticipated for a decade. The actual fight will take place on Dec. 11 in Cardiff, marking the first time these two former two-time world champions face off, and it will happen on home soil in the UK.
“The fight has been 10 years in the making,” Joshua stated during a press conference in London, their first faceoff since the match was officially announced last week. “We’re here now… it had to happen eventually, and there’s no better time than now.” The bout is being touted as the biggest event in British boxing history, though some wonder if it’s coming too late to definitively decide who the superior fighter is.
Fury, 38, has returned from retirement multiple times, while Joshua, soon to turn 37, has had only a couple of fights since his 2024 IBF world title loss to Daniel Dubois, including bouts against YouTuber Jake Paul and Kristian Prenga. “People ask if it’s too late. (Expletive) too late,” Fury said. “It’s the icing on the cake.”
Both fighters expressed gratitude toward Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, who played a key role in making the fight happen. Alalshikh initially wanted the fight at Wembley Stadium in London but settled on Cardiff after being unable to get permission for the venue to stay open until 2 a.m. “In the end, Wales delivered. And still, it’s the UK,” he said.
While the official prize money hasn’t been disclosed, British media reports suggest the combined purse is close to $200 million. “They’re getting extremely well paid,” said Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter. Tickets will go on sale starting Oct. 9.
At the press conference, the two fighters mostly shared laughs and light teasing, including references to a notable sparring session more than 10 years ago when Joshua was an amateur. Several hundred fans attended, with most backing Joshua. Despite this, Fury did the bulk of the talking, often complimenting his opponent.
“He’s been a role model and poster boy for British boxing for years. I often find myself defending my archrival to fans I meet,” Fury said. “But the truth is, we are here to fight — and fight we will.”
British boxing fans have eagerly awaited this moment. Joshua reflected, “People have even argued in pubs about who will win between me and Tyson. Families have split over this. I’m just glad to be fighting and fulfilling my destiny before I leave this world.”
Fury also highlighted the clear differences in their physiques and fighting styles. “I’m probably the most awkwardly built world heavyweight champion in sports history,” he joked. “Bald, overweight, bearded, unattractive, slow, ponderous — all of it.” Joshua interjected playfully, “It’s true.” Fury continued, “And then there’s him, chiseled like an Olympian, carved out of marble. But every time he gets hit on the jaw, he falls.”
Fury took a jab at Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, and mocked Joshua’s nickname as “the landlord.” “Now it’s time to collect the rent, and I’m not paying because I’m No. 1,” Fury said.
The pair also joked about why Fury’s name appears first on the promotional posters for the “Fury vs. Joshua” fight, which will be streamed on Netflix, and debated whether the venue should be in Britain. Despite the playful tensions on stage, there was no hint of a real confrontation, and Fury even invited Joshua for a drink after the fight.
“I don’t know if you’re a drinker, but after the fight, I hope we can share a pint of Guinness together. Win, lose, or draw,” said Fury. Joshua answered, “I don’t know if I can trust you.”
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Fan Take: This long-awaited showdown between Fury and Joshua isn’t just a fight—it’s a pivotal chapter in British boxing history, bringing closure to a rivalry years in the making. Its outcome could reshape the heavyweight landscape and inspire a new generation of fighters and fans alike.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
