Tyson Fury has stated that Anthony Joshua is seeking a final payday when the two British heavyweight rivals meet on December 11, while he announced plans to continue his boxing career beyond the bout.
Fury and Joshua have both held world heavyweight titles but have never faced each other in a title unification fight. During an interview with WSVN Miami from his training camp, he commented on the highly anticipated matchup. “I never thought it would happen,” he said. “I didn’t think he had the minerals to get in there with the GK [‘Gypsy King’] and he didn’t [previously]. Four or five times he turned the fight down.”
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He added, “At the end of his career now he wants a final payday. I’ll give it to him, no problem.” The boxer, who is 38 years old, believes the fight will mark the end of an era, particularly for himself. “Me especially, I’m from the class of 2008 [as an amateur], Olympic year ’08. It’s been a long time, this fight’s been building for a very long time,” he explained. “What will they see? They’ll see legendary fighters throwing down in their late 30s like all the greats did before.”
The controversy fighter continued, “Since time began men have fought each other for a prize. Or for a victory. Or for whatever it might be. Respect. So there’s nothing different going on here. Just two modern-day gladiators throwing down. For pride, glory and a ton of money.” Despite his age, he intends to carry on boxing after the December clash. “I’m going to continue. I’ve got two fights left on my contract,” he said. “I’ll finish the contract off and then probably sign another 10-fight deal. Who knows?”
If the financial terms are favorable, he indicated he would extend his career further, though he acknowledged time is limited. “If the money’s right sign another 10 fights, but they’ve got to be quick because I’m getting older. And when it’s gone it’s gone.
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I’m coming up to fight No 40.” A trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk is his clear target, as he remains resentful over the decision in his second encounter with the Ukrainian champion. “Usyk knows he can’t get any money anywhere else,” he declared. “If you want to get paid you’ve got to come and see me in the heavyweight division.” The British champion further asserted his self-proclaimed status as the greatest heavyweight ever. “I rank myself as the best heavyweight who’s ever put on a pair of gloves.
There’s never been anybody like me,” he added. Highlighting his unique attributes, he described himself as “6’9″, 275lbs, box like a middleweight and dance all over the ring for 12 rounds. Can knock you out with either hand, southpaw or orthodox, or slip and slide like a lightweight. There ain’t been one.” At 38, he continues to defy critics through his ongoing success in the sport.
