Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have fought side-by-side throughout their professional careers.
Both men have won multiple world championships, but have both lost their belts and will be fighting to get them back.
Joshua will face Britain’s Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium on September 21. Sky Sports Box OfficeMeanwhile, Tyson Fury will be aiming to regain the WBO, WBA and WBC belts in a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in December.
But the paths of two great heavyweight rivals, Fury and Joshua, may eventually cross, even if neither of them necessarily wins their next fight.
“I always thought AJ and Tyson would fight one day. Someday. Win, lose, whatever,” said Todd Duboef, president of Fury’s US promoter, Top Rank. Sky Sports.
“It’s like Batman and Robin. They’re in it together. No matter what their piece is or how they come out of the fight, I feel like they’re going to end up fighting at some point.”
“I think they both have great fan bases and they both come from great countries with a lot of history.
“There’s a great heavyweight revival happening in the UK and it’s epicentre is in the UK so I always felt that at some point they would fight.”
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Daniel Dubois talks heated fight with Anthony Joshua, celebrates birthday with huge right hand on AJ Brand cake
It’s just his instincts. Fury and Joshua themselves are focused on their immediate matches against Usyk and Dubois, respectively.
But it also comes from reading into boxing history: fights between fierce rivals of similar standing in the sport can take a long time to prepare, but tend to be decided eventually.
“I think they have a lot to be proud of and they’ve had a rivalry for 15 years or so and I don’t think that’s going to go away,” Duboef said of Fury and Joshua.
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Fabio Wardley believes Anthony Joshua will have regained his ferocious personality and be full of confidence when he takes on Daniel Dubois.
“Mayweather vs. Pacquiao finally happened. It’s been a rivalry for 10 years and it’s finally happening. I think at some point it makes sense.”
“History shows how things happen,” he continued. “I think timing is everything.”
“I think at some point they’ll come to a decision and get in the ring together. It makes total sense.”
“Whatever happens, I see it happening.”
The heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will be broadcast live on Saturday, September 21st. Sky Sports Box Office. Pre-order Joshua vs. Dubois now!
