BRITISH heavyweight stars Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are finally set to go toe-to-toe in a match-up of vastly different styles as much as personality.
In the red corner, the Gypsy King has revealed he has embraced being the “chubby and hairy” fighter who has knocked out adonis after adonis.
The next toned boxer to stand opposite him on the blue side is AJ, who dropped some bulk before recapturing his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles from Andy Ruiz Jr in December.
Despite carrying more fat than his British rival, Fury has already insisted he is the harder hitter out of the two.
Before their highly-anticipated showdown, Joshua, 30, is first set to fight Kubrat Pulev while the Gypsy King takes on Deontay Wilder in the third fight of their trilogy.
And if both come through those tests successfully then they will go one-on-one to determine the undisputed heavyweight king of the world as part of a two-fight package in 2021.
Despite their different images, both AJ and Fury each have a massive fan base and have enjoyed stunning careers and here’s how they shape-up…
BICEPS
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have both been displaying their biceps on social media
Joshua recently sent fans wild by flexing his bulging bicep on Instagram following an intense workout.
The 31-year-old weighed a hefty 17st 9lbs for his defeat to Ruiz Jr last June before shredding plenty of poundage for his rematch to tip the scales at 16st 3lb..
Fury himself has been keen to show off his arm gains on social media as well with his lockdown circuits.
But despite hailing the Manchester fighter as the best heavyweight in the world, Tony Bellew has tipped Joshua’s style to be the difference-maker in their fight.
He told Mark Wright on Instagram Live: “I have to put Fury No1, but I still think AJ beats him. Styles make fights, and I think AJ’s style is all wrong for Fury.
“I think he would catch Fury. He’s so relentless, so powerful, so athletically explosive and dynamic. I don’t think Fury could keep him off.”
ABS
The British heavyweights have exchanged many back and forth jibes about their vastly different physiques
AJ has long attracted admirers for his bodybuilder-style abs, which a fan once begged him to grate cheese on.
In contrast, Fury revealed he used to embarrassed to take his top off in the summer – but now embraces being the “chubby and hairy” fighter.
The Gypsy King ballooned to 28st during his time away from the ring as he battled against depression, drug and alcohol abuse.
But even when the boxing icon was fighting fit, he still felt embarrassed when he took his top off in public but has since found happiness within his own skin.
During his interview on The Lockdown Lowdon, he said: “I’m just going to be a strong bull-type heavyweight, strong as a bull, fit as a fiddle, wise an owl. I’m comfortable with who I am.
I don’t need muscles – and you can’t put muscles on your chin. I’ve beaten plenty of six packs, don’t worry about that
Tyson Fury
“I’ve gone in there bald and fat, chubby and hairy and I’ve knocked out adonis’ after adonis’ after adonis’.”
Fury has also hit back at Joshua for jibes about his weight earlier this year.
He told Sky Sports: “I think it’s just natural genetics. I am never going to be Mr Universe and I don’t need to be. I am a fighting man.
“You don’t see a good-looking pitbull, do you? With its tail docked off, it’s ears docked off, and their face in bits like it’s been chopped up by a badger.
“That’s what I am. I am a natural fighter. I am the Gypsy King. I don’t need muscles – and you can’t put muscles on your chin. I’ve beaten plenty of six packs, don’t worry about that.”
LEGS
Joshua is three inches smaller than Fury but both drew plaudits for their footwork during their last fights
But it’s legs where Fury stands out, with the Gypsy King famed for his fabulous footwork and terrifying speed to land point-scoring shots.
At 6’9, the 31-year-old is also three inches taller than Watford-born AJ and he has been working his massive pins during lockdown.
Fury revealed he went on a mammoth cross-country run across Morecambe a day before his Monday morning workout with wife Paris.
He recently announced plans to release a new book in November detailing his diet and training tips.
Joshua meanwhile drew huge plaudits for his footwork in his Saudi Arabia bout against Ruiz Jr, as he danced around his Mexican opponent for a points win.
And David Haye believes his physique means he is the only man with a chance of dethroning WBC king Fury.
He said: “I just think the only person who has the artillery, the skill set, the athleticism, the clean living, the know-how, the experience, to have a chance to beat Fury is Anthony Joshua.
“I think he’s the only person right now, realistically, most people would say if anyone’s got a chance I’m putting it on Anthony Joshua. So, he’s the only guy who has the tools to do it.”
Frank Warren says that Fury v Joshua will be the biggest sporting event since England won the World Cup
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
