By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 7, 2025

Top Rank president Todd DuBoef believes a heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury would bring Britain to a standstill, even without world titles on the line, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

“I think the brands are so strong,” DuBoef told Sky Sports. “In the UK, the country would stop for an hour to see what happens and I think that’s a wonderful thing.

“It’s still two great fighters in the ring. The end. They’ve created an incredible fanbase and passion towards who they are. So I always think it lives there.”

The potential clash, which could generate over $300m in revenue, remains one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups despite both fighters losing their most recent bouts – Fury dropping consecutive decisions to Oleksandr Usyk while Joshua suffered a knockout defeat to IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

DuBoef, whose company co-promotes Fury, believes the fight’s appeal transcends championships but stressed both men must first decide on their futures in the sport.

“I think they both have to decide if they want to fight, let alone each other,” he explained.

“They’re like peanut butter and jelly, Joshua and Fury, they go together.”

Joshua, who visited Nigerian President Bola Tinubu recently, confirmed his interest in facing his British rival.

“2025, I am targeting Tyson Fury,” the British-Nigerian said. “Time is of the essence, time is limited, so I just want to put in more work. When I look back, I believe I could have done more in 2024.”

Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko recently backed Joshua to defeat Fury if they meet, joining Usyk and Francis Ngannou in favouring the former two-time champion.

The fight could potentially land at Wembley Stadium, though Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has expressed interest in staging it during Riyadh Season.

Joshua won’t return to action until at least May 2024, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, who described the potential clash as “the biggest fight probably in the history of British boxing.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 7, 2025

Dele Alli to Miss Start of Premier League...

Youth Olympics: Funds threaten Nigeria’s participation

Kenya stripped of 2018 CHAN hosting rights

Joshua worried about losing to Takam

CHAN: CAF to introduce Video Assistant Referee

How Barca won 2022-23 season La Liga