Former world champion Tony Bellew expressed confidence that Anthony Joshua still has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury, citing Joshua’s “destructive power” as a key factor.
Fury recently indicated his willingness to face his British rival, Joshua, following his upcoming comeback fight. Bellew, a former cruiserweight champion with heavyweight experience, believes this long-awaited matchup between Fury and Joshua is destined to happen.
“It has to. It would be a travesty if it didn’t happen,” Bellew stated. “It will never be too late. We’ll always seek the answers when it comes to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.” He highlighted Joshua’s status as a former Olympic gold medallist and unified heavyweight champion, calling him the most marketable fighter the UK has ever produced.
Bellew added that Fury is also “doing what he does best” and appears ready for a significant clash. “Ultimately, I just want to see both back in the ring, happy. British boxing is in a better place when Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are around.”
While optimistic about the fight, Bellew acknowledged that both boxers may be past their absolute peak. “All fighters meet at different times, and it is what it is, so we’ll see,” Bellew commented. “I’m not going to lie, at this stage, they’re both past their best, in my opinion. But it’s still relevant, just as Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather’s fight was, or Sugar Ray Leonard against Marvin Hagler.”
Joshua is reportedly aiming for a July return to the ring after a serious car crash in December that tragically killed two of his friends. Despite the personal hardship, Bellew noted Joshua’s dedication: “He’s had ups and downs in the sport, he’s going through a really tough time at the minute. Thoughts are with him. But he looks like he’s in really great shape. He’s preparing diligently again, under the tutelage now of Oleksandr Usyk. So that looks good.”
Fury is coming off two competitive, top-tier losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua, on the other hand, suffered a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024 and then returned last year to face influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, whom he stopped in six rounds.
Despite recent performances, Bellew maintains his prediction for Joshua. “I’ve always said it’s going to be AJ; I think styles make fights. But you have to go on the most recent performances, and Fury has only been defeated by the magnificent Oleksandr Usyk… This could come down to who lands first.”
Bellew concluded by leaning towards Joshua due to his power: “You’ll have to edge towards Anthony Joshua because he’s the one with the destructive power of the two. It’s a genuine 50-50,” he added, pondering, “You don’t know what you’re going to get. In all honesty, who’s got more left?”