The biggest British heavyweight fight this century may never actually come to fruition.
Until recently, it looked inevitable that Anthony Joshua would share the boxing ring with Tyson Fury, separated only by a referee.
Earlier this summer, Fury claimed that Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, had already put a date in place for the meeting of the two undefeated Brits.
Mid-April of next year was reportedly targeted by Hearn and that timeline would work out well, considering that 'AJ' will likely rematch Wladimir Klitschko in October/November, giving him plenty of time to recover for the potential Fury test.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/865194765410848768
It would certainly be the most lucrative option on the table for both men but, unfortunately, it may be dead in the water as Fury has just suggested that his fighting days may already be done.
The 28-year-old's much-hyped return has hit stumbling block after stumbling block as a failed drugs test, mental health issues and a continued postponement of a UK anti-doping hearing which is required if his licence is to be renewed all combined to extend Fury's spell on the sidelines.
During an interview with
Box Nation at the weekend, Fury admitted that his return may be off and that he could hang up his gloves with the rare luxury of an undefeated professional record.
“My time was two years ago,” Fury said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-vKf-0tmR0
“If I come back there will be an announcement but if I don’t then goodbye.
“For this game, you’ve got to really love it and want it – you’ve got to be very, very hungry.
“I’m undefeated – second in the history of heavyweight champions to retire unbeaten, behind Rocky Marciano.
“I’ve unified the full division, beat the man who couldn’t be beaten – do I need to do any more?”
