Joshua Would Be Willing To Fight Fury Behind Closed Doors

Anthony Joshua is very open to the idea of facing division rival Tyson Fury behind closed doors - if that was that only possibility on the table.

Both champions had their upcoming fights postponed, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Fury is slated to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Deontay Wilder in a trilogy fight in October, while Joshua will potentially stake the WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA world titles against Kubrat Pulev on a date in July.

Boxing has a stronger possibility of resuming in a closed doors setting.

Joshua would prefer to face Fury before the biggest crowd possible, as their contest would likely draw 80 or 90,000 fans to Wembley Stadium under normal circumstances.

But, if Joshua was advised that Fury was on board for a fight, and closed doors was a requirement for the event to happen - Joshua would accept the deal, even if it means less money since there won't be a gate involved.

“If Eddie Hearn said he managed to secure the Tyson Fury fight, but it is behind closed doors, I would take it,” Joshua told DAZN.

“If I don’t take it now then I don’t think Tyson Fury will be around by the time this all comes around again, when big hall shows are available. I have to take the opportunity while they’re there. Economically I’m taking a big hit like the rest of the world.

“I would definitely fight for the love of my sport and economically I’ve got that hunger in me, even if I drop five dollars or pounds, I’m turning back to get it. I’m never too big to earn a buck. 100% I would fight for $8 million less [from no gate receipts]. 100% I would take the opportunity to fight at the drop of a hat.”

However, Joshua indicates that an empty venue would likely affect his performance.

“You know what, I think it will,” Joshua said.

“When you are fighting in front of 80,000 people, whether you like it or not there is a massive impact on your psyche, on your confidence. That urge to perform. I’m performing for the crowd.

“So yes it would be difficult to fight without the crowd there to entertain. But a win is a win, and it goes down in history and this is just part of history.”