Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Experts Predict Heavyweight Showdown

Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury has boxing pundits divided, with former champions Carl Froch and Tony Bellew offering starkly different predictions. The British heavyweights are set to face off later this year, pending their warm-up bouts against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga.

What’s at stake for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua, 36, returns to the ring for the first time since his sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul last December. His mental state has been under scrutiny following a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends. Froch, a former super-middleweight champion, questions whether Joshua still has the desire to fight, predicting a comfortable points win for Fury. “I don’t think AJ will be in the right headspace,” Froch told Fight Your Corner.

Bellew, however, believes Joshua’s power could still be decisive. “If he gets in that ring and lets his hands go for six rounds… he’s got the capabilities to knock anybody out,” said Bellew, who fought Joshua in 2017.

How will Fury and Joshua prepare?

Fury, the current WBC heavyweight champion, faces 46-year-old Mariusz Wach on July 24 in Thailand. Joshua, meanwhile, takes on unproven opponent Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia. Both fights serve as tune-ups for their eventual showdown, though neither has been officially confirmed.

What’s the consensus on the outcome?

Froch sees Fury outboxing Joshua, citing both fighters being past their prime. Bellew, while acknowledging Joshua’s struggles, insists the fight won’t go the distance. “The only thing I can really commit to is… it ain’t going the distance,” Bellew said.

With Froch backing Fury on points and Bellew favoring a Joshua stoppage, the boxing world remains split on who will emerge victorious.