It took several months to get a deal done, but Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally clash in what will be a boxing match for the ages.
On March 15, it was announced that the duo came to terms on a two-fight deal to unify the heavyweight championships. Both fights are expected to happen in 2021, with the first hopefully occurring in June/July. The target time for the second fight is to have it in either November or December.
The first fight will see Fury and Joshua split the money 50/50. However, in the second fight, the winner will get a 60 percent share.
While a date isn’t finalized, that hasn’t stopped sportsbooks from getting in on the early action. As of March 15, BetOnline is listing Tyson Fury as the favorite to win the first bout. His odds of winning are -190.
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua Odds
Odds via BetOnline as of Monday, March 15
- Tyson Fury -190
- Anthony Joshua +165
Tyson Fury the Early Favorite
Even if you’re not a boxing expert, it’s easy to see why Tyson Fury is the favorite heading into the first fight. He’s undefeated across his boxing career, amassing a 30-0-1 record. The lone tie came against Deontay Wilder. However, Fury asserted his dominance when he knocked Wilder out in February 2020 to win the World Boxing Council and vacant The Ring heavyweight titles. That was also the last time that Fury fought. While some may be concerned if he’s facing any “ring rust,” he doesn’t think that’s the case. In fact, Fury said he only needs about two months to be ready.
If one thing is clear, it’s that Tyson Fury is full of confidence. With the way he performs, he has every right to feel that way. Of Fury’s 30 victories, 21 are by knockout, which goes to show how dangerous of a boxer he is.
Don’t Count Anthony Joshua Out Yet
While Tyson Fury may be the favorite to win the first fight, Anthony Joshua can more than hold his own. If he didn’t stand a chance, sportsbooks would’ve made him a long shot to win. However, at +165 on BetOnline, Joshua stands a good chance at shocking the world.
Joshua may not be undefeated like Fury, but he still only has one loss on his record. That defeat came back in June 2019 when he was knocked out by Andy Ruiz Jr.. However, Joshua exacted his revenge six months later, defeating Ruiz Jr. via unanimous decision to win back his own heavyweight titles.
One advantage that Anthony Joshua may have over Tyson Fury is that he’s fought more recently than his opponent. Whereas Fury has been out of action for over a year, Joshua’s last bout was back in December 2020. He knocked Kubrat Pulev out 2:58 into the ninth round to retain his titles. Joshua has also shown that he has tremendous endurance. Out of his last seven fights, five have gone to the ninth round and beyond.
