Joseph Parker is as close as anyone in the heavyweight division to Tyson Fury, who recently announced his retirement from the sport of boxing, taking a lucrative fight against Anthony Joshua off the table
Many felt the all-British clash was all but nailed on to happen this year given the status of both men at the end of 2024.
Both former two-time former champions ended the year on a loss. Joshua was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September in his attempt to become a three-time belt holder, and Fury was once again beaten on points by Oleksandr Usyk as he attempted to win three of the world titles held by the Ukrainian in their rematch.
‘The Gypsy King’ and ‘AJ’ have already had hugely successful careers, been involved in epic fights and made millions in purses and sponsorship. As such, it seems unlikely either will want to rebuild again and work their way back to the top, especially when a fight as big as their own showdown is seemingly right there and ready to be made.
However, Fury blew up those hopes when he revealed that he is walking away from the sport at the age of 36.
His friend and campmate Parker has spoken to Boxing Now about Fury’s revelation and the potential of him returning for an ‘AJ’ bout.
“I think Tyson has done everything in boxing, he’s won all the belts, he’s made good money, he’s achieved everything so I think if he does have the passion still for the boxing and the training, it’s a lot of hard work being away from the family, then he should consider coming back fighting Anthony Joshua in the fight everyone wants to see. But if he doesn’t have the passion for it he should leave it alone.”
Fury has retired before and later u-turned, so there is still hope this fight could happen. Meanwhile, Parker is just a few weeks away from his own shot at Dubois’ IBF world title on February 22.
