John Fury has given his backing to Anthony Joshua to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in their world heavyweight title rematch and has teased that his son Tyson Fury could return to face his compatriot if he is successful.
Joshua’s crunch rematch with Usyk was confirmed on Sunday, with the British star looking to win the WBA ‘super’, WBO, IBF and IBO titles back that he shipped to the Ukrainian in September when they meet for a second time on August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua was criticized for his cautious approach in their first clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Fury believes the Watford man can use his physical attributes to regain the belts and teased that his son Tyson, the WBC champion, who announced his retirement after stopping Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April, could reverse his decision to face his British rival in an undisputed title showdown.
“I just want AJ to achieve,” Fury told Pro Boxing Fans.
“Because for my money now he’s underachieved, because he’s better than what you’re seeing. He just needs the right people around him. I’ll always have time for AJ. He’s given us some great nights, he’s ducked nobody, he’s fought them all.
“Whoever they’ve put in front of AJ, give him credit he’s fought them. Yes, ok he’s lost, but he’s boxed hasn’t he. So give the kid credit, he’s still only a very young man and I do believe with his size and strength and a bit more oil in his can and a bit more brain used, he can win his title for the third time and then who knows? You might get the big GK [Gypsy King] back! But, good luck to Anthony, he’s a nice kid.”