THERE have been talks concerning staging Anthony Joshua versus Hughie Fury. The rival camps have discussed it, although it is very unlikely that it can be arranged for Joshua’s next fight on November 26 at the Manchester Arena.
Earlier this year Anthony Joshua won the IBF heavyweight title formerly held by Tyson Fury, the WBA and WBO champion and the cousin of Hughie. Tyson is trained by Hughie’s father Peter. The younger Fury would be an appealing challenger for Joshua’s title. Hughie, only 22 years old, has complied a 20-0 (10) record. His last outing was beating Fred Kassi on a technical decision. Hughie was due to box on the Fury-Klitschko undercard on October 29, also at the Manchester Arena, but his opponent Andy Ruiz withdrew this week.
The most likely opponent for Anthony on November 26 is probably his mandatory challenger, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker. Former world champion Bermane Stiverne was in the frame but appears set for a WBC title eliminator against Alexander Povetkin.
Kubrat Pulev was also on the shortlist but seems to be gradually drifting out of the picture. Earlier promoter Eddie Hearn told Boxing News, “He’s not jumping out of his seat to take the fight… He’s got decent backing in Bulgaria and Germany, perhaps he’s happy to take a fifth of the money to defend his European title?”
