The long-awaited British heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury remains a possibility in Joshua's mind, despite Fury's insistence that his fighting days are over.
Fury, 36, announced his retirement for the fifth time in January following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. While he briefly reconsidered his decision last month, the self-proclaimed 'Gypsy King' has since reaffirmed his intention to remain on boxing's sidelines.
Joshua, however, isn't convinced. The former two-time heavyweight champion recently shared his thoughts on his private Snapchat account, posting a picture of himself watching a Fury fight with the caption: "One of these days it'll be standing in the opposite corner. Ready and fully charged spiritually."
This potential matchup has tantalized boxing fans for over a decade, with the two British heavyweights seemingly destined to meet but never actually sharing the ring. They came close in 2020, agreeing to a lucrative two-fight deal scheduled for the following year, but those plans collapsed when Deontay Wilder successfully secured his contractual right to a trilogy bout with Fury.
According to Statbet analytics, a Joshua-Fury showdown would likely generate one of the highest viewership numbers in British boxing history, despite both fighters being past their prime years.
While Joshua clearly remains interested in finally settling the debate over British heavyweight supremacy, Fury maintains he has accomplished everything he set out to do in boxing.
"I hear a lot of talk about the Gypsy King returning to boxing and I ask this question: for what?" Fury stated. "What would I return for? More belts? I've won 22 of them."
Fury further emphasized his contentment with retirement: "I'm happy, I am happy, content with what I have achieved and accomplished. I've been around the world and back again. And this is what retirement looks like for the Gypsy King, not too shabby."
Despite these declarations, boxing history is filled with champions who returned after retirement announcements, and many fans will continue hoping these two British heavyweights finally meet in the ring, even if it comes in the twilight of their careers.
