Tyson Fury names 'next opponent' as 'massive' Zuffa announcement mooted
Adding more pressure to the ever-elusive bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, the Gypsy King has announced his next opponent as he is set to sign a big deal with new conglomerate Zuffa.
The Fury family is back in full heavy-hitting swing as Tyson called out Joshua following his return to the ring, Tommy overcame a hand injury to win against Eddie Hall, and father John has clashed with everyone and anyone.
While the world waits to see a date set for the 'confirmed' fight between Fury and Joshua, all eyes are on the warm-ups, with both boxers trying to get into the best shape they can before going toe-to-toe.
Yet after making an unexpected stop at the White House for UFC Freedom 250, Fury has announced his plans for upcoming fights, and Joshua has seemingly slipped down the pecking order.
Tyson Fury names his next fight
Typical of their entire careers, the omnipresent rivalry between Fury and Joshua could avoid the ring once again, as the stars refuse to align.
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As the calendars continue to be skewed, with both fighters getting their gloves warm, a string of plan B scenarios are coming ever closer to taking course.
For Fury, that would mean pivoting from the fight for Britain's pride and focusing on the WBC belt.
Speaking at UFC Freedom 250, Fury named his next opponent in the event that Joshua isn't ready by November.
"I’m number one ranked with the WBC again. If Rabbit Face [Oleksander Usyk] pulls out of the fight with [Agit] Kabayel, then I am in with him.
"If the Joshua fight doesn't happen for whatever reason, then I’ll get a shot at being three-time world champion against Kabayel, and we will take it to Wembley."
Kabayel is currently the WBC Heavyweight champion after picking up the vacant belt in a sixth-round knockout win versus Zhilei Zhang.
Currently undefeated (23-0), Kayabel would be getting the shot at Fury that he wanted back in 2020, but was set aside as the Brit fulfilled his contractual obligation for a trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder.
Fury also wants a shot at Usyk, as he previously claimed that a rematch with the Ukrainian would be at the top of his priority list once he has 'beaten' Joshua.
Still, this doesn't mean the AJ fight is off - although if recent teasers are to be believed, Fury could be about to sign a deal that would further jeopardise the juggernaut fight set for this November.
Fury set to join Zuffa Boxing
After stepping out of retirement again, Tyson Fury was pictured at UFC Freedom 250 alongside famed promoter Dana White, as the two look to be pairing at Zuffa Boxing.
White, best known for his role in UFC, has been trying to revolutionise the boxing scene with Zuffa, and was full of gumption when asked about the presence of Fury at the White House.
"Listen, let me reiterate. Judge me on January 1, 2027, on what we have done this year with boxing," he said.
"All these other guys are talking a lot of smack. I haven't said anything about any of these guys. I haven't talked s*** about anybody or any other stuff.
"I'm in my lane. I'm doing my thing. Just sit back and watch. We'll make an announcement soon."
Tyson Fury added, "I think I'm going to let Dana do the speaking, but it is a massive announcement."
As to what the impact would have on the Joshua fight, White suggested that he is playing a part in making it happen.
"For the last couple of weeks, I have been hearing from the media and other people that I am not involved in the fight.
"It seems like everybody is always wrong."
Fury himself had a positive stance on the role Zuffa would play, which could actually spur a solidified date for the Joshua fight.
"I'm very excited for this fight. It's been over a decade in the making," Fury added.
"For whatever reason, it hasn't happened before. Let's hope it happens right now, very soon."
Topics: Boxing, Tyson Fury
Jack Marsh