Lennox Lewis Calls for Fury vs. Joshua Showdown
Lennox Lewis, the iconic British heavyweight champion, has emphasized that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have a responsibility to deliver a showdown for boxing fans in the UK. Lewis, the last fighter from Britain to hold the undisputed heavyweight title, is advocating for this long-anticipated clash between two modern titans of the sport before they step away from the ring for good.
Unfulfilled Expectations
Despite numerous discussions about a potential bout between Fury and Joshua over the years, a matchup has yet to occur. Following a challenging year, where Fury (currently boasting a professional record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw) suffered defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, and Joshua (with 28 wins, 4 losses) faced a setback against Daniel Dubois in September, fans had hoped this would create an opportunity for the two to finally face off, especially without any championship belts on the line.
However, Fury’s announcement of his retirement in January rekindled uncertainty around the fight. More recently, he hinted at a comeback in 2026, only increasing the anticipation for his next moves, while Joshua has yet to make an appearance this year.
Promoters’ Perspectives
Prominent promoters in the boxing world, Eddie Hearn for Joshua and Frank Warren for Fury, have expressed their desire to see the two athletes square off. Lewis shared his thoughts about this potential match during comments made prior to the Usyk-Dubois fight, stressing the importance of making it happen.
“It’s crucial we see this fight; it’s something they owe to the boxing public,”
he stated, reflecting on the growing frustration among fans.
Joshua’s Absence and Future
Additionally, Lewis pointed out that Joshua’s absence from significant events like the Usyk-Dubois fight could hinder his chances of reigniting conversations around his own boxing future. He remarked,
“This is a missed chance for him. If Joshua is serious about wanting the Fury fight, he needs to show up and prove that he’s still relevant in the ring. Everyone is looking at the Tyson Fury matchup as the next significant challenge for him.”
In the current landscape where neither fighter has entered the ring this year, the call for their encounter remains stronger than ever.
