Boxing has waited a decade for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury – do not take it to Saudi Arabia
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is a fight supporters in the United Kingdom have waited a decade to witness – so don’t take the scrap to Saudi Arabia
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are finally facing off(Image: Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
You’d have thought two boxers with a combined age of 73 would struggle to fill the back room of a pub – let alone one of the biggest stadiums in the UK.
Throw in the fact both fighters are well past their prime and no world title is at stake, and the appeal should be negligible. But boxing doesn’t operate in a normal world.
If such a thing exists, these days. So the prospect of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury finally stepping into the same ring could go on to prove one of the biggest events of this year’s sporting calendar.
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Because, despite their ageing limbs and fading reputations, a scrap between these two is what British boxing fans have spent almost a decade pining for.
The fact both of them are now closer to 40 than 30, and are prepared to put their respective legacies at risk by suffering a seriously humiliating defeat, just adds to the growing intrigue.
There is also the fact that the last person Joshua fought was online influencer Jake Paul, or whoever he is, in some sort of freak show designed to extort hard earned money from those willing to pay to watch it.
In fact, the last time he beat a recognised and establish opponents was Otto Wallin, back in 2023.
Joshua has also been involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Fury, meanwhile, recently won an underwhelming comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
But whatever the merits of these two blokes getting it on for a slugfest and final pay day, the fact remains it will demand a huge venue.
Aside from virtually confirming it will be streamed on Netflix , promotor Eddie Hearn has been unable to do the same when it comes to a time and place.
And here’s the thing. Should this fight be taken to Saudi Arabia, it would bring more shame on a sport already bereft of principles and a conscience.
Who, outside the UK, would be falling over themselves to watch it? While the Saudis are dropping their investments and associations with certain sports faster than Lando Norris in top gear.
Which means the scrap has to be staged at Wembley, or alternatively, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Anywhere else would be a serious affront to British boxing fans. One of the biggest kicks where it hurts known to man.
The fighters, promoters and broadcasters have a responsibility to break with tradition and do the right thing. For once. It’s the least supporters deserve.
