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Boxing News of Tuesday, 24 January 2023

Source: www.punchng.com

Fury shuts door on ‘traitor’ Joshua fight

WBC champion Tyson Fury has closed the door on the highly anticipated potential ‘Battle of Britain’ with Anthony Joshua tagging the British-Nigerian boxer a traitor.

The pair were on course for a domestic super fight last December after Fury’s offering of a shock world title lifeline but the blockbuster showdown failed to come to fruition.

Boxing fans are still hoping the grudge match will happen one day, but Fury has well and truly moved on from the bout saying, “I am not even interested in talking about that traitor, that fight is in the past.”

The 34-year-old is preparing for a historic undisputed heavyweight showdown with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The clash was initially targeted for March 4 but is now expected to take place in April.

Fury’s promoter Frank Waren told talkSPORT, “We’re expecting a couple of offers this week, but none of them have come through and then Tyson has to make his decision.

“I hope it’s going to happen at the end of March, early April, that’s where we’re looking at the moment. So, fingers crossed we get it over the line for that date, but it will definitely, definitely happen.”

Former two-time unified heavyweight champ Joshua, meanwhile, is looking to rebuild his career following consecutive losses to pound-for-pound number one Uysk.

Joshua is on course to return to the ring on April 1 in what promoter Eddie Hearn believes is a must-win fight.

The Match-room Boxing chief recently admitted that a third defeat could signal the end of Joshua’s career.

“You go into that fight in April and you know that defeat, it’s all over, really. It would be a third back-to-back defeat and yet a great performance and a showroom knockout will get everyone saying, ‘We’re back, baby.’

“That’s what I can’t wait for because I love it when our backs are against the wall. I’m excited. I’m really excited. This is the most exciting I’ve been in Joshua’s journey so far.”