MIKE TYSON has piled the pressure on Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to fight by saying they heavyweight kings should meet now while at the peak of their powers.
After Fury, 31, dethroned Deontay Wilder of the WBC title at the end of February it paved the way for a historic undisputed decider with WBA, IBF and WBO champion Joshua.
Mike Tyson wants to see Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fight now in their prime
Fury set up the all British unification after beating Deontay Wilder
But first the Gypsy King has to again defeat Wilder after the beaten American activated his right to an immediate rematch while 30-year-old AJ is already pencilled in for a mandatory defence against Kubrat Pulev.
Both fights are at risk of being backdated, though, due to the deadly coronavirus outbreak that has swept the globe with over 8,000 deaths worldwide leading the cancellations of several major sporting events.
Heavyweight legend Tyson is urging the British rivals to get past their unwanted interim fights out of the way in order for them to box now while they reign as champions in their prime.
He told The Sportsman: “I don’t know, but I’d like to see that happen though. That’d be a great money fight too.
“They’re in the best shape possible to be in and getting the most out of this sport as they can.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn insisted he has spoken to Fury’s promotional and management team to discuss terms for the potential Battle of Britain.
The heavyweight stars have shared the ring once, in 2010 while Joshua was an amateur and Fury a novice pro, and have remained on each other’s radars ever since.
Fury even FaceTimed AJ while filming his ITV documentary with the pair asking how each other’s families were doing.
But Iron Mike – one of the most fearsome and ruthless punchers of all time – insists the friendly relationship does nothing to affect the magnitude of the unification clash.
Tyson, 53, said: “No, I don’t think [they’re too nice and respectful]. Not as far as attitude and will to win. These guys are really desperate to win.”
Mike Tyson urged Joshua and Fury to cash in on their mega-money fight now
Eddie Hearn could lose around £250,000 of personal fortune if coronavirus hits his boxing schedule
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
