First, however, Joshua needs to defeat former UFC titan Francis Ngannou, who came close to defeating Fury in their first professional boxing match a few months ago. If Joshua manages to defeat Ngannou, he may have the opportunity to fight for a significant championship belt. Fury and Usyk, on the other hand, will be competing for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world next month. Although boxing politics may prevent the fighters from holding onto each major heavyweight title for a long time, Joshua might still have a chance to acquire at least one heavyweight strap.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Joshua admitted to Sky Sports of Fury-Usyk. “I think Usyk edges it.” Although he may not be keen on facing Usyk for the third time, Joshua clearly feels that it won’t be Fury who holds all those world titles after his fight with Usyk is over. “I’m not really bothered,” he continued, “I just want them both (Fury and Usyk) to be healthy and leave the ring. It’s a tough game. So that’s all I can ask for, that they leave the ring healthy.” What’s more, Joshua seems to be at peace with any and all future scenarios. “In terms of how it (Fury-Usyk) goes, it doesn’t affect my life, in a way. I’m not like one of those fans that starts crying because someone won or lost. It is what it is. Tomorrow comes around. Good luck to both of them.”
It may not mean the world to him, but Joshua admitted that, between Usyk and Fury, he’d rather face Fury in the ring. “Probably the opportunity to fight Tyson Fury,” he said when asked about his preference “I think that’s a better fight for the fans and myself.” He’s probably right in that regard. A Joshua-Fury fight might well turn into a true slugfest. Usyk, however, is an extremely difficult man to beat – something Joshua and others know all too well.
