Joshua vs Takam: Anthony Joshua says good performances could put Tyson Fury into the mix
Wednesday 25 October 2017 10:00, UK
Anthony Joshua has refused to rule out the prospect of an all-British world heavyweight title clash with Tyson Fury, despite the former champion's long absence from the ring.
Fury has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko to win the IBF, WBA and WBO crowns in December 2015, after being his licence was revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control in October of last year.
He is currently awaiting the resumption of a UK Anti-Doping hearing and his BBBofC license remains suspended.
And the prospect of a Fury return appeared to recede further last month when the 29-year-old declared he would not re-apply to the BBBoC for the right to fight again.
But Joshua, who defends his IBF and WBA titles against Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday night, has left the door open to a fight, regardless of Fury's weight, as long as the year older man proves he can still perform.
"What was [Fury's] fighting weight - 18 stone?" asked Joshua.
"Even if he comes back at 22 stone, [former champion George] Foreman came back bigger when he was in his prime.
"If he wants to fight and gets his licence at 30 or 40 stone, if he wants to get in the ring and he shows he can move about and control that weight, people will watch him.
"But if he comes back at that weight and he's getting into trouble against journeymen, then people won't be interested.
"So, it's how he performs at his new weight."
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, says the ultimate plan is to unify the heavyweight belts, but agreed that Fury could yet force himself into the mix.
"If [Fury] had a couple of fights and showed that he was actually back in the game, then it might be something to consider," said Hearn.
