Tyson Fury’s next move

So, what is the best route back for the sport’s fallen hero? Should he jump straight in against AJ? Well, the time away didn’t appear to do Klitschko any harm, the German-based fighter’s last outing before Saturday was against Fury, and he turned up in great shape. Fury is still ranked number one in the world by many fans, and if fit and happy outside of the ring, four or five months would be a realistic goal to come back.

That timeframe would allow Joshua to recharge from his latest triumph, and then enter a training camp. It would also give Fury a bit more time to drag his weight down and get back into some sort of fighting shape. If he was to face the battle of Britain he’d have to be light and quick to avoid AJ’s power shots.

Sooner the better for Joshua

To make things all the more interesting with Joshua, Tyson could go and get himself a belt to bring to the table. New Zealand’s Joseph Parker – undefeated in 22 – has the WBO, and Fury getting his hands on that would give him a serious bargaining tool. That’s a very winnable fight, but I don’t think he needs the belt too much, he has something better, the tag of a world champion who never lost his titles in the ring.

Any warm-up could, of course, put a Joshua – Fury battle at serious risk. AJ would probably have to fight again to keep his belts, and he could lose. Fury could find the time off has taken its toll and fail a warm-up. Both would end any hopes of the big one. Team Joshua will want Fury sooner rather than later, as there’s still question marks hanging over him, while the inactivity won’t help. If this is going to happen, expect everyone connected to the champ, Eddie Hearn included, to push for a summer showdown at a major venue.

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