Tyson Fury has no plans to retire anytime soon and has named a long list of opponents he can still face before hanging up the gloves.
‘The Gypsy King’ is coming off the first defeat of his career. Back in May when challenging for the undisputed crown he was outpointed by Oleksandr Usyk in a close back and forth battle out in Saudi Arabia. The two will run it back in December after Fury activated his contractual rematch option.
In his 36 fight professional career Fury has shown his willingness to fight all comers. He travelled to Germany in 2015 as a big outsider to dethrone long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko. After a long lay-off due to mental health issues and addiction, he went to America to have a thrilling trilogy with hard-hitting former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
However, there had always been one man the former champion has insisted he would ‘definitely’ never face. Just over a year ago Fury told Jai McAllister: BOXING + MMA that gym buddy and close friend Joseph Parker was the only fighter he wouldn’t step in the ring with.
“Definitely not. No. I’d rather give him the belt than fight him for it. We’re too close for that fight, and there’s plenty of heavyweights out there. I don’t want to get beat up, sorry.”
But Fury has now u-turned on that statement. Whilst listing potential future opponents that included Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Zhilei Zhang he explained to Pro Boxing Fans why he is now willing to face Parker.
“Joseph Parker, Well listen, if it’s going to make him life changing money and help his family and kids I’m sure he will.”
Parker is currently in the form of his life and is coming off back-to-back high profile victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Those wins have put the former WBO heavyweight champion in a good position to get title shot in 2025.
