He may have a heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk looming, but former champion Tyson Fury also said he was looking beyond the Ukrainian and a lucrative showdown with British rival Anthony Joshua, saying money, not legacy, was his driving force.
Fury is aiming to seize the WBA, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles held by Usyk when they meet for the second time at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.
Whatever the outcome, the ‘Gypsy King’ believes there will always be appetite for a domestic clash with Joshua even though his rival’s star has waned after his crushing fifth-round knockout by Daniel Dubois in September.
Fury was ringside at Wembley, part of the Riyadh Season series, to watch Joshua’s dramatic defeat and was caught on camera saying “that’s cost me £150 million”.
The 36 year old insisted the comment was genuine, adding that he and Joshua would have had a two-fight deal where each would have made a "ton of money".
"Unfortunately doors open, doors close,” Fury said.
Defeat to Dubois was the fourth of Joshua's 32-fight career, and the manner of it had some observers wondering if he had what it took to reclaim the heavyweight championship, having also suffered back-to-back defeats to Usyk.
Fury, who has won 34 of his pro bouts, with one draw and a defeat to Usyk the only blemishes on his record, insisted that a showdown with Joshua is still a blockbuster matchup that fight fans will pay to see.
“Does it really matter if he has another loss or not? It doesn’t matter. It’s still a big fight," Fury added.
“Even if he goes in against Dubois and he gets knocked out again ... It’s still a great fight. It’s a great fight that we all want to see.”
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Daniel Dubois celebrates after winning his IBF heavyweight world title fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024. Reuters -
Daniel Dubois lands a jab on Anthony Joshua during their fight at Wembley Stadium. AP -
Daniel Dubois lands a blow on Anthony Joshua on his way to a fifth-round knockout. AP -
Daniel Dubois sends Anthony Joshua to the canvas during their heavyweight bout in London. PA -
Anthony Joshua gets knocked down by Daniel Dubois during their heavyweight world title fight. PA -
Daniel Dubois stands over Anthony Joshua after knocking hi down during their bout in London. PA -
Anthony Joshua lies knocked out during the fifth round of his heavyweight world title bout against Daniel Dubois. AP -
Anthony Joshua removes his gloves after losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. AFP -
Daniel Dubois is all smiles during the post-fight press conference. Getty Images -
Anthony Joshua speaks to the media during the post-fight press conference following his defeat to Daniel Dubois. Getty Images -
A fireworks display takes place before the main event fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. Getty Images
Joshua was heavily favoured to become a three-time world champion when he faced Dubois, only to be outclassed by his younger opponent.
A rematch looked likely to be his next step, but talks have stalled on a second bout, with Dubois now slated to face New Zealand's former WBO champion Joseph Parker in Riyadh in February.
Usyk was crowned undisputed champion with a split decision victory over Fury in May before relinquishing the IBF belt, which was awarded to sanctioning body’s No 1 challenger Dubois.
Fury reportedly earned close to £100m for the first fight with Usyk but, as challenger, will take the lower percentage for the rematch, which is reported to be worth a combined £150m.
He insisted that the financial rewards were the only reason he continued to box.
“Legacy is my kids. I care about my family, my kids, providing for them, looking after them. That’s it,” he said.
“I’m only doing it for the money. All prize fighters, if they tell the truth, do it for the money. Who here is not doing it for the money?
“I want as much as I can get. I want the easiest fights possible for the largest amounts of money possible.
“I don’t want the toughest fights possible for the least amount of money. I wasn’t born in a Christmas cracker.”
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Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the belts after beating Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 18, 2024. Reuters -
Oleksandr Usyk and his team await the judges' decision after his fight with Tyson Fury. Reuters -
Tyson Fury throws a jab at Oleksandr Usyk during their undisputed world title fight in Riyadh. AFP -
Tyson Fury leans on the ropes and attempts to taunt Oleksandr Usyk. Reuters -
Oleksandr Usyk lands a left hook on Tyson Fury during their fight in Riyadh. Reuters -
Oleksandr Usyk has Tyson Fury hurt on the ropes during the ninth round of their world title fight. AP -
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk trade blows during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight. AP -
Oleksandr Usyk goes on the attack after rocking Tyson Fury in the ninth round. PA -
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk both land punches during their undisputed world title fight. AP -
Oleksandr Usyk lunges forward to land a jab on Tyson Fury. EPA -
Oleksandr Usyk makes his ring walk for his undisputed heavyweight world title fight against Tyson Fury. AFP -
Tyson Fury makes his walk to the ring to fight Oleksandr Usyk. Reuters
