Sparring partner Kash Ali backs Tyson Fury to beat Anthony Joshua in their expected heavyweight clash later this year. Ali, who has shared the ring with both men, believes Fury’s superior skill-set gives him the definitive edge over his long-time British rival.
The prediction adds another layer of drama as both men head into crucial warm-up fights this weekend. Fury and Joshua must win their respective bouts for the mega-fight to be confirmed. Ali, speaking to Boxing King Media, left no doubt about who he thinks will triumph. He has a history of making the right call on Fury. “For me, Tyson Fury [is the favourite]. Stylistically, I know Joshua as well, but even when Tyson fought [Wladimir] Klitschko, I was one of the few people, if you go back 15 years, that said Tyson was going to beat Klitschko.”
Ali sees the fight as a clash between two former champions nearing the end of their time at the top. But even with Fury’s recent inactivity, his performances give him the advantage. “They both are still good, they are both former champions, but they are probably coming to the end of their careers now. They have got a couple of years left, then they will be done, but I favour Tyson just from his skill-set – even though he has not been active – his fights have been good.”
The difference, according to Ali, is the quality of recent opposition. He points to Fury’s impressive points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. In contrast, Joshua’s recent record is less convincing. “Whereas with Joshua, he lost to [Daniel] Dubois and then he boxed Jake Paul – which is not really a competitive fight for him.”
Everything now hinges on this weekend. The boxing world holds its breath. Fury takes on Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, and Joshua faces Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on Saturday. If both titans emerge victorious, the path will finally be clear for one of the most anticipated fights in British boxing history.
