Anthony Joshua’s want for Tyson Fury nearly got here true when Fury fought Oleksandr Usyk final yr.
Usyk and Fury met twice inside a seven-month interval and on each events it was the Ukrainian who emerged victorious. Their first encounter was historic, with the undisputed heavyweight championship on the road — a distinction not held within the division since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Usyk claimed a split-decision victory, however the struggle practically ended inside the space within the ninth spherical. A left cross sparked a fierce barrage from Usyk, forcing Fury into retreat, with solely the ropes stopping him from hitting the canvas.
Referee Mark Nelson finally administered a standing eight rely to the 6ft 9ins “Gypsy King,” who was on the point of struggling his first stoppage defeat. Fury was in the end rescued by the bell, which rang to finish the spherical as Usyk pressed ahead.
Watching from ringside was Anthony Joshua, who had misplaced to Usyk in 2021 and once more in 2022. Talking on Mr Verzace podcast, Joshua recalled the drama of the second when requested about Fury’s efficiency.
“He practically acquired knocked out! I want Usyk caught him with another shot. I used to be on the sting of my seat throwing the punches. I want Usyk knocked him out — he must be humbled. However I swear if I ever acquired the chance, I’ll make certain I lay him flat on his again.”
Joshua may lastly meet the ‘Gypsy King’ subsequent yr, with Riyadh Season eager to make the long-awaited British super-fight a actuality, probably permitting each males a warm-up bout beforehand.
