Tyson Fury has revealed his contingency plan for if the Anthony Joshua showdown falls through, outlining his desire to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
The two Brits are set to collide after their respective next outings, yet no specific date or location has been announced for their long-awaited clash.
What has been confirmed, however, is that Joshua will face little-known opponent Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25.
While the 36-year-old is heavily favoured to emerge victorious, there is still a possibility that he loses to Prenga. In which case, the Fury fight would swiftly go up in smoke.
Equally, Fury must win his second warm-up fight, which is slated for August, if he is to have any chance of squaring off with his long-time rival, whether later this year or in early 2027.
The 37-year-old therefore recognises that there are a number of factors, both in and out of the ring, that could put their domestic dustup in serious doubt.
Perhaps this is why he has now opened the door to an encounter with Agit Kabayel, despite having previously claimed that he would not be interested in the matchup for ‘any amount of money’.
“They are my two brothers. They are both lovely guys, and they are both future world heavyweight champions. Agit Kabayel and Joseph Parker. He has been a champion before, so he knows what it is about.
“I wish them all the very best in the world and I won’t fight either man for any amount of money because some things ain’t worth fighting for.”
In any case, Oleksandr Usyk must first decide whether to face Kabayel, the WBC ‘interim’ champion, or swerve his mandatory challenger and pursue alternative options.
If the 33-year-old German is left without an opponent then Fury has told IFL TV that he would now gladly step in the ring with him.
“If [Usyk] pulls out of the fight with Kabayel, then I’m in with Kabayel. So if the Joshua fight doesn’t happen, for whatever reason, then I’ll get my shot at [becoming a three-time world champion] against Kabayel. And I’ll take it to Wembley [Stadium].”
As the WBC’s No.1 contender, Fury would be offered a shot at the full title, against Kabayel, if Usyk decides to vacate his green and gold belt.
