By Tim Parsons-
Mike Tyson has warned Anthony Joshua he lacks enough speed to defeat Tyson Fury in their undisputed world heavyweight title fight.
Tyson was one of boxing’s most revered world champions in his day, becoming the youngest heavyweight to win the undisputed title at just 20 years of age and 17 fights.
The former exciting fighter believes Fury’s speed and elusiveness will work against Joshua when they eventually meet in the ring to unify all four belts in the sport’s premier division, in the first of a two-fight deal.
Fury dominated and stopped Deontay Wilder in 7 rounds to claim the WBC title away from the American in February 2019, and Tyson doubts Joshua possesses the same speed as the Bronze Bomber to even stand a chance against Fury.
“I f***ing love Joshua, but I think Tyson [Fury] is too elusive. He’s not going to be able to hit him,” Tyson told Haute Living
“I like Joshua a lot, and maybe he punches harder than Wilder, but he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder.
“And if he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder he’s not going to f***ing touch this guy.
“That’s just what I see. If Tyson Fury can get away from Wilder’s fast punches, Joshua might be in trouble.”
The location for the fight remains unclear, with promoter Eddie Hearn looking to sell to the highest bidder.
Joshua has been talking confidently ahead of the unification fight, referring to Fury as ”a warm up act”- a notable shift from the humble image Joshua once had at the beginning of his career.
Such bravado may be a confidence boost for Joshua but defeating Fury will be Joshua’s biggest professional achievement to date.
Mike Tyson Believes Fury (left) is too fast and elusive for Anthony Joshua.
Favourite
Fury, who at 6ft 9 inches, remains unbeaten as a professional heavyweight, will be the betting favourite to unify all the belts, but it remains to be seen how the fight turns out.
Joshua has a massive punch and better boxing technique than Wilder, but faces a serious task in trying to beat Tyson Fury, whose speed , mobility and unorthodox stance has been enough of a problem to ruin the hopes of every challenger he has faced to date.
Joshua’s past two performances have provided little to concern Fury, who has accused Britain’s multi-bel champion and olympic gold medalist of having a ”confidence problem”.
Trilogy With Holyfield
Meanwhile, Mike Tyson claims a trilogy with Evander Holyfield will take place this May.
Tyson and Holyfield were involved in two incredible battles in 1996 and 1997, the second of which became known as the ‘Bite Fight’ when Tyson famously tore off a chunk of Holyfield’s ear on his way to disqualification.
Now in their 50’s, a third fight would still generate much interest, but both men are way past their best, having retired for nearly two decades.