I’m been thinking about the position for AJ; if he waits for Fury he basically has to wait till earliest of June to fight. With the wilder legal saga (which already derailed fury fighting in December) it looks unlikely to be sooner.
Even then, with the pandemic situation changing the likelihood of crowds in the first half of next year are reducing.
So I’m actually changing my view a little and thinking it maybe better to try and take on Usyk end of March or early April. Usyk is a very high class opponent anyway but it has two key benefits too; one it ensures the belt doesn’t need to be dropped (which it’s unclear if it would be, but certainly is at risk) and secondly his movement and boxing skills would be a great extra warm up for Fury to be honest. Very different type of fighter being much smaller but definitely would be a huge challenge and asset to have fought.
This would then still allow an opportunity (assuming he wins) to take on Fury at least once; but potentially even twice - July/December?
If fury did become unavailable because he does fight wilder; then this gives Joshua a few options. For me his main choices for opponent should be between Ortiz, Hunter and Hughie Fury in that scenario. He could go and fight Ortiz or Hunter in America; which I think it’s important for him to do at some point (not necessarily needed in 2021) to put the Ruiz loss behind him. Alternatively he could take on Hughie which would be a big marketable fight but also would help build the Tyson fury fight even more!
There is a genuine risk he waits for fury and basically just misses a fight out completely while waiting.
Thoughts?
I don’t think he has ever put off a fury fight though? And both are relatively young for heavyweights - they do have at least 3 more years left really. That’s not to suggest he should delay fighting fury intentionally but I do think the wilder saga may drag on and personally I think it maybe sensible to just take Usyk on for that reason with intent to fight fury afterwards.
My fault, I did not check AJ's birth date, I was convinced he is at least 5 years younger than Fury.
You're right, however, I don't want Wilder saga at all, perhaps Joshua can fight and KO him someday later, but the only fight I am waiting for (well, except perhaps Kownacki's revenge fight for obvious reasons) is Fury vs. Joshua.
I don’t think he has ever put off a fury fight though? And both are relatively young for heavyweights - they do have at least 3 more years left really. That’s not to suggest he should delay fighting fury intentionally but I do think the wilder saga may drag on and personally I think it maybe sensible to just take Usyk on for that reason with intent to fight fury afterwards.
In the next 2 weeks maximum, people will know if Joshua fights Fury.
True, but he never fought anyone of Fury's caliber yet. Fury is not young and if Joshua starts to wait and wait and, eventually, he somehow can win, everyone will say that he won over a grandpa.
I don’t think he has ever put off a fury fight though? And both are relatively young for heavyweights - they do have at least 3 more years left really. That’s not to suggest he should delay fighting fury intentionally but I do think the wilder saga may drag on and personally I think it maybe sensible to just take Usyk on for that reason with intent to fight fury afterwards.
Honestly for me he has already proven that. Only a few other fighters e.g canelo has a similar run on his resume; and I can’t remember if any heavyweight has ever gone on a run of 10-12 fights of such consistent high standard. His weakest (in my opinion) was obtaining the belt and his first ever defence. Since then he has taken on very strong Calibre.
True, but he never fought anyone of Fury's caliber yet. Fury is not young and if Joshua starts to wait and wait and, eventually, he somehow can win, everyone will say that he won over a grandpa.
He needs to just chill until Fury fight is made.
Inferior HW will take Usyk out soon. Let somebody else pick up crumbs like Usyk.
AJ dont need to mess with all that
It depends:
- if he wants to be remembered as brave fighter who is not afraid of anyone -- fight Fury a.s.a.p.
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Honestly for me he has already proven that. Only a few other fighters e.g canelo has a similar run on his resume; and I can’t remember if any heavyweight has ever gone on a run of 10-12 fights of such consistent high standard. His weakest (in my opinion) was obtaining the belt and his first ever defence. Since then he has taken on very strong Calibre.
If he loses in an upset to Usyk or any other underdog, he can kiss a potential $100M+ payday goodbye against Fury. Just wait until June and build up the Fury fight between now and then. Make it bigger.
But equally from Joshua perspective he already has made huge money. Even against Usyk he is likely to make over $20m. Joshua would also would still appeal in a rematch, look how much he earned from Ruiz 2; his biggest ever payday after a loss.
Wait for Fury, he would lose to Usyk if he risks it. You need to be smart. Whyte is dumb because he is self managed, AJ has that cunningham guy who manages him, so am sure they wouldn’t phuvk up his money.
If AJ or Fury beats Usyk, he's suddenly a blown up CW who never had any business at HW.
Not only that, soon as he beats him he will be met with ducking accusations from the usual suspects, “he never wanted Fury fight , AJ and Hearn are liars etc etc”
If I was AJ or Fury, I'd fight Usyk ASAP. He is undefeated and riding a lot of undeserved (at heavyweight) hype, so that is a very over-inflated (in terms of prestige) scalp at the moment. Collect it while it's hot before some random HW takes it first! AJ and Fury both beat Usyk.
If AJ or Fury beats Usyk, he's suddenly a blown up CW who never had any business at HW.
If I was AJ or Fury, I'd fight Usyk ASAP. He is undefeated and riding a lot of undeserved (at heavyweight) hype, so that is a very over-inflated (in terms of prestige) scalp at the moment. Collect it while it's hot before some random HW takes it first! AJ and Fury both beat Usyk.
Start dealing again, cause you ain’t dealing with Fury. :lol1:
In all seriousness, vacate the WBO and fight Fury. They could fight for 0 belts for all I care.
It depends:
- if he wants to be remembered as brave fighter who is not afraid of anyone -- fight Fury a.s.a.p.
- if he wants to earn lots of money -- fight Fury a.s.a.p.
- if he wants to have all these belts as long as possible -- fight Usyk or similar guys.