Can Anthony Joshua Beat Tyson Fury?

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. No, the year is not 2022 or even 2020. We are just days away from the best fight of the first quarter of 2024 in ‘AJ’ vs. Francis Ngannou, where the winner may book a fast ticket to face the winner of Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. Theoretically, the long-awaited clash of the two British champions is possible, once again. So, here we are, trying to figure out whether ‘The Gypsy King’ can be toppled by his fellow countrymen. Can Joshua slay the daunting WBC champion?

Fury and Joshua were close to meeting in the squared circle back in December 2022, before the fight fell through. The two have a chance to settle the score and conclude their rivalry in the ring, whose sparks can be seen in Riyadh currently as the two continue to bump into each other. If the boxing gods smile and Fury and Joshua end up slugging it out for all the marbles soon, would a rebooted Joshua stand a chance?

Anthony Joshua: Reinventing himself again and again

The Watford native is still learning, and that’s what separates him from the rest. Andy Ruiz Jr. hammered him in 2019, but he bounced back after re-engineering himself. Usyk broke him over two consecutive fights in 2021 and 2022. But he bounced back again and is currently on a spectacular three-win streak. However, Joshua’s aggression in the ring has mellowed down since those defeats.

The 34-year-old latches on to his prey with aggression, if he believes there is a gulf of skills between him and the opponent standing across the ring. His recent wins over Otto Wallin and Robert Helenius reveal the same secret. Compared to his recent opponents, he proceeded cautiously against the likes of Usyk and Ruiz Jr. It may look like Joshua never healed from the scars that Ruiz Jr. gave him and drained out his confidence.

Moreover, the 27-3 record holder’s style has transformed after a slew of hiring and then switching trainers. Particularly, Derrick James and Ben Davison have handled Joshua’s shift in boxing fundamentals, which are focused on slick action and fighting off the front foot, working the body, and throwing combinations. But what about his defense, a supposed lack of a strong chin, and an unwillingness to ferociously trade blows? Despite the new additions of skills and weapons to his arsenal, the question still remains: Is he confident and powerful enough at the moment to take on the undefeated Gypsy King? Additionally, where does the WBC champion stand at the moment in comparison with AJ?

Tyson Fury: Scarred but still a formidable force

Ngannou and Deontay Wilder have shown the boxing world that the boxer named after Mike Tyson is vulnerable and can be pushed closer to a loss. Both have successfully dropped him, but to keep him on the floor for an entire 10-count is a whole other ball game. The Manchester native rose from the mat four times during his trilogy with Wilder. His recuperating powers warrant some respect and can’t be neutralized even with a heavy punch.

In addition, Fury will always hold a reach and size advantage with his staggering 6’9″ height. He utilizes those dimensions to stay away from the hard-hitting punches. It’s almost impossible to reach him, and if you endeavor to do so, he unleashes powerful combinations of his own to inflict damage on you.

Read More: HE Turki Alalshikh’s Plan for Anthony Joshua Could Delay a Potential Tyson Fury Fight, but the Fate Remains in Francis Ngannou’s Hands

With such a size advantage, the 34-0-1 record holder imposes his will on his opponents and dictates the pace of the fight. Either he can move around, frustrating the rival with jabs, or he can bring out all the guns blazing, something he pulled against Wilder in their rematch. Throw in the agility and devastating power behind those punches, and you have a champion you can’t seem to overcome. So, how can Joshua pull it off?

Does ‘AJ’ have what it takes to dethrone the ‘Gypsy King’?

Let’s recall what happened in the Joshua-Usyk fight. Usyk’s hand speed and footwork puzzled Joshua, and the latter failed to connect during counters. Joshua lost the fight at exchanges and was visibly frustrated. Fury would produce a similar challenge. But this time, Joshua won’t be able to make inroads into Fury’s body.

Fury will toy around with Joshua and do exactly what Joshua is planning to do against Ngannou. Stay behind a jab, avoid damage, and fight at range. Additionally, Fury will drop his devastating punches, while Joshua will be scratching his head to cut off the distance. Joshua can emerge as the victor if he can keep Fury down on the canvas with brute force and find a way to neutralize his jabs. The chances of an upset also look slim, but they are always there. The experiences that AJ has gone through and the wins that he has amassed over the last year certainly prove that AJ is also not one to stay down. A fight between them will be one for the books. However, before that happens, both have to cross the mountain in front of them. Will they make it across?

What do you make of this matchup between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury? Do you believe AJ can topple Fury? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Agron Smakici, Who Opened Cut Above Tyson Fury’s Eye, Reveals It’s More ‘Risky’ to Spar Anthony Joshua Than Gypsy King