The long-anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury, 38, and Anthony Joshua, 36, is taking place years after both fighters are considered to have passed their peak. This timing is described as a strategic decision, occurring at a point where commercial potential is high and the genuine sporting jeopardy is low.
According to reports, making the fight in 2021 would have put titles and legacies at significant risk for both men. Conversely, delaying it until 2031 would likely diminish public interest, even with extensive promotion. The current timing is seen as maximising the fight's value, which is now estimated at £150 million, a substantial increase from the fraction it would have been worth in April 2016.
Fury has reportedly attempted to attribute the delay in the fight's arrangement to Joshua. However, Fury's own career has included periods out of the sport due to doping charges, substance abuse, mental health crises, and legal battles with Deontay Wilder, alongside approximately five retirements.