Tyson Fury opens door to surprise world title fight after Moses Itauma's shock defeat

Tyson Fury has welcomed the possibility of fighting Filip Hrgovic after he claimed a record-breaking stoppage win over Moses Itauma on Saturday night.

Fury is currently training hard in Miami ahead of his potential blockbuster fight against Anthony Joshua at the end of the year.

But there are doubts about the dust-up going ahead, as neither side can agree on a location, despite Netflix releasing a promotional video on WWE Monday Night Raw weeks ago to fuel excitement for a fight millions of boxing fans have been waiting for.

Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, had an agreement for the showdown to be held in the UK - and preferably at the iconic Wembley Stadium - but Turki Alalshikh and his Saudi backers are pushing for Madison Square Garden in New York as the venue.

Fury is happy to fight outside the UK, whereas Hearn has threatened to pull Joshua out of proceedings, causing a feisty back-and-forth between 'The Gypsy King' and the Matchroom Boxing chairman.

According to Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, AJ has until Friday (September 4) to accept terms to fight in America, or it will be cancelled, and his opponent has already accepted that outcome.

The former two-time heavyweight champion would be open to a dust-up with German Agit Kabayel if his fight with Joshua doesn't happen, after his brother, Shane Fury, confirmed that a replacement would be lined up.

Kabayel, an undefeated WBC champion with 27 wins from as many fights, would present a strong challenge to the 38-year-old and he isn't the only opponent the Brit is willing to come up against.

Tyson Fury open to fighting Filip Hrgovic

On Saturday night, Croatian Filip Hrgovic stunned red-hot favourite Moses Itauma to win the IBF title after an incredible stoppage win at the O2 Arena, becoming the first heavyweight champion from Croatia.

READ NEXT: Moses Itauma v Filip Hrgovic scorecards make for brutal reading after shock defeat

Itauma had a commanding lead on points going into the ninth round, but the 21-year-old southpaw surrendered his grip on the contest when the fight was waved off by referee Howard Foster, as his unbeaten record came to an end.

Widely regarded as a surefire bet to be the next face of the division, Itauma is predicted to return stronger from this setback after being taken to hospital following the fight. In the meantime, Hrgovic is earning a raft of plaudits for his performance, and his next fight will almost certainly come against the IBF’s leading heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez.

But if that showdown doesn't go ahead, Fury has already put his name forward for what would be a shot at the world title. "If the money is right, I’ll fight anybody,” he said (via Bloody Elbow), suggesting he's open to facing the Croat.

Fury was front and center for a Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) event on Saturday night in Miami, hours after Hrgovic's win, and he also offered an update on negotiations with AJ.

“I’m here in Miami at the moment, training for the biggest fight in boxing,” he continued. “I’m just keeping fit and staying out of trouble. When the fight arrives, it arrives.

“There is not much more to tell you. Eddie Hearn and AJ are looking for a few more quid, as always. I don’t think they are running scared. We’re prizefighters. But yeah, when the deal is right, I’m sure they’ll sign.”