Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could finally meet in 2025 – and Deontay Wilder has already picked a winner.
It was a disappointing end to last year for the British heavyweights, with Joshua first being brutally dropped four times and halted by Daniel Dubois in their IBF title clash in September.
GettyJoshua could meet Fury in a huge clash despite their recent form[/caption]
Fury meanwhile was looking to get revenge against one-and-only conqueror Oleksandr Usyk, but was beaten via unanimous decision in their heavyweight rematch last month.
Both Fury and AJ have always teased a match-up throughout their heavyweight stints, but it has always failed to materialise due to negotiation breakdown or the arrival of boxing politics.
But now with limited options on the table for both British greats, a showdown would still have huge commercial interest given the size of their rivalry globally.
Fury has yet to make a decision on his next move, but could still have a huge future in the heavyweight division given he is largely viewed as the No.2 behind Usyk despite his defeats.
Joshua faces a more challenging rebuild, but has offered hope he could fight on if he is able to beat Fury.
The boxing world have always had their say on the victor in a potential blockbuster clash, and they will likely barely be separated again.
Wilder is certainly in a position to comment on the outcome of any squared circle meeting, particularly given he fought Fury in three epic battles.
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ first fought in a controversial draw with Fury in 2018, before being beaten twice by the ‘Gypsy King’ in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
But having felt the wrath of the Briton who captured his WBC world heavyweight crown, Wilder is not convinced he will beat Joshua.
The American made a clear prediction for the fight in 2022, shortly after Joshua’s defeat to Usyk.
He said: “If it happens, I think it will be a good fight.
“I can see that fight going the distance, I don’t see that fight being a knockout or nothing like that.
“I can see Joshua beating him [Fury]. It’s crazy to say, some people are like how do you see that?
“But I can really see Joshua winning that fight to be honest. If he goes in and [does] what he has to do and not think so much.
“I think Joshua thinks a lot. He doubts himself a lot as well. I don’t think he has a lot of self-motivation, or self-confidence.
“I think if he changes a few things mentally, he can come back and redeem himself more so than ever.”
Joshua looked to be returning to form with KO wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou after changing to trainer Ben Davison.
But defeat against Dubois leaves him out of the immediate title picture, and he preferred to wait for Fury as opposed to the pursuit of any rematch.
Fury has said on multiple occasions that he is still open to facing Joshua, but has yet to make a concrete decision on his fighting future in 2025.
And AJ has put a deadline on their clash suggesting it needs to be signed and delivered in 2025.