The reaction took over social media on Friday as the news filtered through about the collapse of a heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
One of those airing his views was respected boxing writer Dan Rafael. The former ESPN scribe was firmly in the same camp as WBN when it came to promises over the fight.
Despite talks opening up in December, five months passed without any actual movement. Now, Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum has pulled the plug.
WBN never saw the contest taking place in 2021. Rafael confirmed the same on his part.
HEAVYWEIGHT MESS
“I’m not at all surprised, but it looks like Fury vs. Joshua isn’t happening,” said Rafael. “Bob Arum tells my pal Gareth A. Davies in part: “The fight in July or August is dead in the water as far as we are concerned. The two fighters need to go and have other fights this summer.”
He added: “I always tell folks who ask and get excited: Never get your hopes up for a big fight. Ever. Ever.
“I’m always skeptical, and when I show skepticism, I’m labeled a hater. No, I’ve just been doing this a long time.
“I know better than to get hopes up. In the end, we usually get screwed.”
TYSON FURY vs. DEONTAY WILDER III
Fury vs. Joshua can happen in 2022. Who knows? But for now, it seems Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III is back on the table for the summer.
Wilder is currently in training, alongside coach Malik Scott, who has posted words like “revenge, redemption, retribution and the big payback” on socials.
This scenario can only mean one thing. The third fight with Fury is either in talks or already a done deal. We wait to see if this is the case.
Las Vegas will be the instant favorite for hosting duties again after Fury lit up the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 2020 with a seventh-round stoppage.
Entering the venue to Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” “The Gypsy King” provided fans present – including WBN, with one of the most memorable moments of the year.
