Johnny Nelson thinks both Anthony Joshua AND Tyson Fury are done

Johnny Nelson, one of Britain’s finest former champions, pulls no punches when he shares his thoughts on the future of heavyweight icons Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. In his candid analysis, Nelson predicts that both fighters will hang up their gloves before 2025 is through. His reasoning? They’ve reached the apex of their careers, and the only fight left worth their time - or that of their fans - is against each other.

For over a decade, Fury and Joshua have loomed large over the boxing landscape. Fury, the unpredictable Gypsy King, has danced between triumph and chaos, while Joshua has carried himself as the disciplined warrior, a modern-day Adonis with fists of stone. Yet despite years of speculation, negotiations, and near-misses, these two titans have never shared the ring. Nelson believes that time is running out for this long-anticipated clash to happen, and even if it does, it might be too late to capture their primes.

“They’ve been at the top of the heavyweight division,” Nelson explains. “The biggest purse out there is each other. Anything less devalues their stock.”

It’s hard to argue. Tyson Fury, with a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the sport. He conquered Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to end a near-decade of dominance and then engaged in a legendary trilogy with Deontay Wilder. Yet, his recent outings, including a controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk and a questionable exhibition bout against an MMA fighter, have left fans divided. Is Fury still the same cunning tactician who dismantled Wilder, or has he lost his edge?

Joshua, on the other hand, has faced his own trials. Once seen as the poster boy for British boxing, his aura of invincibility shattered when Andy Ruiz Jr. handed him his first loss in 2019. Although he avenged that defeat, subsequent losses to Usyk exposed vulnerabilities. Now, with a record of 28 wins and 4 losses, Joshua stands at a crossroads. Critics question his hunger, while emerging rivals like Joe Joyce openly call him out, challenging his position in the division.

Nelson sees this fight as a swan song for both men. “The only fight that’s going to get the best out of them is each other,” he asserts. And it’s not just about pride or legacy - it’s about business. The heavyweight division thrives on blockbuster fights, and Fury vs. Joshua is still a box-office dream, even if it’s “five years too late” by some standards.

When asked to predict the outcome, Nelson leans toward Fury, citing the old boxing adage, “You’re only ever as good as your last fight.” Despite Fury’s recent struggles, his adaptability and ring IQ might edge out Joshua’s power and athleticism.

But beyond the spectacle lies a sobering truth. Both men have achieved greatness, but the wear and tear of years in the ring can’t be ignored. Nelson, having walked this road himself, knows the toll that boxing takes - not just on the body, but on the mind. Fury’s battles with mental health are well-documented, and Joshua’s repeated attempts to reinvent his style hint at an underlying search for identity.

If they do fight this year, it may well mark the end of an era. For fans, it’s bittersweet: a chance to witness history but also a goodbye to two of boxing’s most captivating figures. In Nelson’s eyes, the writing is on the wall. And for these two giants of the sport, the final bell may already be echoing in the distance.

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