There has been a new incentive added to the long-awaited clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the form of a world heavyweight title shot.
Before Fury and Joshua can finally settle their rivalry, both men must first come through scheduled warm-up bouts later this month. Fury is set to face Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, while Joshua returns against Kristian Prenga a day later in Saudi Arabia.
Should they both emerge victorious, official confirmation of one of British boxing’s biggest ever fights is expected to follow, with a date in November targeted. Though no belt will be on the line for the mega fight, the winner may have the chance to claim one soon after.
Earlier this month, Oleksandr Usyk vacated his WBC, WBA and IBF titles as he prepares for the final fight of his career, bringing an end to his reign at the top of the division, which has included two wins over both ‘AJ’ and ‘The Gypsy King’. Germany’s unbeaten Agit Kabayel has since been upgraded to champion, and he is now looking ahead to the first defence of his reign.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kabayel made it clear that he would welcome the winner of Fury-Joshua in a defence of his WBC crown.
“I want competition, I will fight with the best ones. For me it’s no problem. I fight everyone.
“Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, when you think you have a chance to be a three-time world champion, let’s do it. Kabayel will wait for you.
“We can make the fight but first of all I think all the fans, the British fans want to see the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury fight and after that we can see who’s best for the fight with me.”
The newly crowned champion has wasted little time in calling out the biggest names in the heavyweight division as he looks to establish himself at the top of the sport. Alongside Fury and Joshua, Kabayel has also welcomed potential fights against Moses Itauma and WBO champ Daniel Dubois.
Fury currently sits at No.1 in the WBC rankings, while Joshua occupies the No.5 position, meaning either man would be well placed to challenge Kabayel should they come through their planned showdown.
That opportunity is unlikely to come immediately, however, as Fury and Joshua are understood to have agreed terms on a two-fight deal.
