Anthony Joshua Backs His Former Opponent to Beat Tyson Fury Following His KO Win Over Otto Wallin

After the Anthony Joshua–Otto Wallin fight, fans are eager to watch their two old opponents battle it out. In his third bout of the year, former unified heavyweight champion Joshua secured a victory by stopping Wallin in the fifth round. This marked Joshua’s third consecutive win in 2023, rebounding from consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Wallin, who had previously challenged Tyson Fury in a closely contested 2019 bout resulting in a unanimous decision loss, experienced his second career defeat in the match against Joshua.

Usyk and Fury will face each other in their highly anticipated bout on February 17 for the undisputed title. The victor will claim the division’s first undisputed world championship since Lennox Lewis. Joshua has something to say about the upcoming fight.

Who is Anthony Joshua siding with for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk?

Usyk was desperate to fight Fury but unfortunately, the fight which was to happen this month was postponed to February. This was due to the disappointing performance of Fury against the debutant Francis Ngannou. The heavyweight champion decided to take a break to recover and hone his skills before entering the ring again. Joshua, in the press conference post his match picked Usyk to beat Fury. “I’m gonna be straight up, I’m leaning towards Usyk but who knows,” said the victor.

However, he did not dismiss the ‘Gypsy King’. Acknowledging both of their prowess, he believes they both are “on top of their game”. He wished them luck and a great training camp. Moreover, Joshua complimented the fighters who fought in the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card, many of whom he believes are future stars. He is excited for the year 2024. “I can’t believe how great this card was. So many potential match-ups, potential future stars on the card. So, 2024 is gonna be a big year for the heavyweight division,” added Joshua.

Interestingly, John Fury has expressed concerns about his son’s fighting style ahead of the battle for the undisputed crown next year.

John Fury expresses his concerns

Tyson Fury is set to depart for Saudi Arabia on December 30 to prepare for his upcoming clash with Usyk on February 17. The long-awaited fight follows a year of unsuccessful negotiations between the two camps. Concerns have been raised by Fury’s father, John, regarding the toll his recent bouts have taken on him, emphasizing the need for a return to his old fighting style. John expressed worries about Tyson’s increased exposure to punches potentially shortening his career.

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Reflecting on Fury’s recent match against Ngannou, where he faced a third-round knockdown but ultimately won, John highlighted the need for strategic adjustments in facing Usyk. “The style I am seeing is no good, it won’t be any use boxing Usyk like that, just stood in front of him. You have to be clever and agile, as much as Usyk is. But unless you are trained to do that, what can you say?” said Tyson Fury’s father.

Do you agree with Joshua or do you think Fury will make a comeback like no other and take everyone by surprise? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.

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