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Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua: Better delayed than never

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Author: Sean Crose

They said both men had their best years behind them. Sure, they both achieved glory in the ring, but never against each other. We’re told it’s a little disappointing that things have taken so long, but at least we finally got to see how two legends perform in the ring – albeit after the deadline. I’m, of course, talking about the iconic middleweight title fight that took place in April 1987 between Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard. Humorous how Hagler and Leonard, both in great shape, were perceived as having already reached their deadlines before the fight. What’s even funnier is that no one is looking at the Hagler-Leonard fight right now, which Leonard ended up winning by a close, controversial decision since it came on the scene a bit delayed.

The news that former heavyweight champions – as well as fellow Brits – Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally fight has sparked similar sentiments online, with the opinion being: “Of course, it’s great, but it’s a shame it didn’t happen sooner.” The truth is that if Fury-Joshua, who is officially scheduled to be knocked down before the end of the year, turns out to be an excellent fight, no one will care where in their career or calendar each fighter was when the final bell rang. No one mentions Leonard and Hagler’s age when they fought. The same could be said for Leonard’s rematch with Tommy Hearns two years later (which also turned out to be an excellent and controversial fight). Good fights overcome a lot of the little things.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that this fight could have ended years ago, when each fighter was younger and smarter. But sometimes you take what you can get if it’s still something worth appreciating. The reality is that if Leonard hadn’t been retired for years before the Hagler fight, and Hagler hadn’t come out of two brutal wars of attrition (against Hearns and John “The Beast” Mugabi, respectively) before the Leonard fight, then their 1987 battle might have been different – or maybe not. Boxing is a sport full of “what if?” What if Ali had not been stripped of his belt? What if the younger Louis had come face to face with Marciano? What if Floyd and Manny had managed to do it in 2010 instead of 2015?

We don’t know the answers to these questions, and as tempting as they are, such questions tend to fade into slim air. Why? Because substantial fights embody the appeal of boxing, which is simply about determining who is the best of two fighters. And let’s face it, you’re curious who is the better of the two in this case. If it weren’t, you probably wouldn’t be reading this column. In tiny, Fury-Joshua has the makings of a good fight. Both warriors are powerful physical specimens with the power of combustion. Each fighter can also change styles to adapt to a given opponent. Joshua defeated Ruiz in their second fight, outboxing his man. Fury defeated Deontay Wilder in their second fight, beating his fighter.

However, there is one caveat to all this, and that is the fact that Joshua will fight a well-seasoned fight in July in Saudi Arabia against the widely unknown Kristian Prenga. It’s understandable that Joshua has decided to make a change at this point in his career. Last winter he survived a earnest car accident in which two people lost their lives. Let me repeat: it is understandable that the man would want a rematch before the fight with Fury. Supposedly, basic fights can go south after all. Larry Holmes was about to face Gerry Cooney in the mega-age when he was almost knocked out by Renaldo Snipes. Holmes got up from the mat and defeated Snipes and (later) Cooney. Still, the fight with Snipes was too close for comfort.

A much more close confrontation occurred a few years ago when Fury was shockingly knocked down by MMA star and boxing novice Francis Ngannou. Like Holmes, Fury got back up and managed to win the fight (which is somewhat controversial), but for a man hoping to fight Olyksandr Usyk, it wasn’t a good night for the fighter known as The Gypsy King. With this in mind, it is highly unlikely that Joshua will lose to Prenga this summer. After all, Joshua is a earnest man and the stakes are simply too high. However, all this shows how uncertain the sport of boxing can be. Fury and Joshua were said to be on the verge of facing off in 2021, but the referee ruled that Fury would have to face Deontay Wilder instead. And although Fury won, Joshua ultimately lost to Oleksandr Usyk before facing Fury in the ring.

Now it looks like the two men are finally reconciling. It may not carry the same weight as Fury’s fight with Joshua all those years ago, but as they say, better delayed than never.

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Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama

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"Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama"

Daniel Dubois seeks a repeat victory over Fabio Wardley in their WBO heavyweight title clash on Saturday, and ahead of the action, fellow British heavyweight Derek Chisora has offered his final prediction for the bout.

Wardley was elevated to full WBO world champion in late 2025 and accepted a daring first defence against ‘Triple D’ at Co-Op Live in Manchester, who had lost his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in his prior outing.

Despite being floored twice in the opening three rounds, Dubois was able to bring Wardley’s reign to an early end as he bounced back to dominate proceedings, battering Wardley until referee Howard Foster waved the contest off in round 11.

Wardley absorbed an enormous amount of punishment, but he was still quick to activate his rematch clause and initiate an immediate second meeting with Dubois, in the hopes of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion.

Although, whilst pursuing a win that could define his career, Chisora told talkSPORT that he believes a second encounter with Dubois could turn out to be Wardley’s career finale, anticipating an early stoppage win for the reigning WBO heavyweight champion.

“I think that this is Wardley’s last fight. I don’t think that he wants to box anymore. This is his cash out.

“After three rounds, Daniel’s going to win it by knockout.”

All will be revealed when Dubois vs. Wardley II takes place this weekend at the O2 Arena in Londonwith Michael Gomez Jr set to challenge for Louie O’Doherty’s British lightweight title in the co-main event.

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Tyson Furys Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing

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"Tyson Fury's Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing"

Paulie Malignaggi likes Tyson Fury’s style against Anthony Joshuabut only if the Gypsy King’s legs still hold up to control range. He points out that Joshua must close the distance, yet doubts AJ has the footwork required to get there.

Fury’s movement creates the main problem. If he keeps Joshua following his lead and constantly resets AJ’s rhythm, Joshua risks spending the entire night chasing shadows instead of landing meaningful shots.

“AJ has to obviously get in close,” Malignaggi told Boxing King Media. “It’s not easy against a guy with the footing of Fury, but who knows, maybe Fury’s old legs are a little slower.”

That lingering doubt stops Paulie from locking in a definitive pick. Fury understands how to dictate distance against AJ, but executing that plan across twelve rounds takes functional wheels.

If Fury has lost a step, Joshua gets a direct route into punching range without burning energy on pursuit. AJ does not need sudden speed if Fury can no longer skip away. Joshua simply has to capitalize whenever Fury sits in the pocket.

At the same time, Malignaggi remains skeptical about Joshua’s mobility.

“I think AJ’s feet are a bit cumbersome, though. So, I think the size of the ring and things like that will also matter in the fight.”

A larger ring hands Fury extra space to glide and forces Joshua to cover real estate. A tighter ring gives AJ a clear path to trap his rival, though he must cut off the ring instead of trailing behind.

Paulie’s breakdown hinges entirely on Fury’s mobility. If the legs work, Joshua’s heavy feet could leave him swinging at air. If those legs fade, AJ suddenly finds a manageable target. Malignaggi spots the stylistic edge, but he refuses to assume Fury can still pull it off. He is analyzing a long-gone version of Tyson Fury from ten years ago, not the lumbering heavyweight who actually steps into the ring today.

That 2015 night in Düsseldorf against Wladimir Klitschko might as well belong to another century. Ever since the Usyk beatdowns, the slow-motion survival against Wach, and that labored outing against Makhmudov, Fury has looked completely grounded.

The twitch reflex is gone, the lateral bounce has vanished, and his upper-body slips look like they are running through wet cement. When heavyweight legs check out, no amount of altitude running or motivational talk in Morecambe brings them back.

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Boxing 24/7 Wire

Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelos Commitment

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"Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelo's Commitment"

Nakisa Bidarian believes Canelo Alvarez could lose his purse if he withdraws from the October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, but might still get paid if the organizers cancel. His theory offers a financial explanation for Canelo’s commitment to fighting despite the security concerns.

“My read: Canelo is due a lot of money. If he pulls out he is no longer due that money. If the event is cancelled he is probably also due that money. Tough situation,” said Bidarian on X.

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo remains committed to fighting Mbilli in Riyadh following deadly attacks on the city’s international airport. Reuters reported that a Saturday strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with another attack on Sunday killing one person.

Bidarian’s reading gives Canelo’s willingness to proceed another possible explanation beyond the “he fears nothing” message. Under that theory, Canelo could protect his payday by remaining ready to fight and letting the organizers decide whether the event can proceed.

That would put Canelo in an awkward position. He could have concerns about traveling without wanting to formally withdraw and potentially give up a huge purse. Saying he’s available would make financial sense even if he privately preferred a postponement or a different location.

However, Bidarian hasn’t presented Canelo’s contract or identified a cancellation clause. His wording makes clear that this is his interpretation. Whether Canelo would receive payment after a cancellation remains unconfirmed.

His post also doesn’t establish that money is driving Canelo’s decision. But the public declaration that he’ll fight tells us little about the contractual consequences of refusing to travel.

There’s also an entire card to consider. Canelo saying he’s willing to fight doesn’t settle the safety and travel questions facing Mbilli, the undercard fighters, their trainers, and the event staff. They all have to get there, prepare, and work through fight week.

The organizers still have to explain how they intend to stage the event safely. Canelo’s commitment gives them a willing headliner. It doesn’t answer those questions.

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About the author

Boxing 24/7 Wire

Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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