Former WBA super middleweight champion George Groves believes Tyson Fury’s decision to retire in January is unlikely to be permanent and that the recent struggles of Anthony Joshua could prompt Fury’s return to the ring, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking to Express via Lottoland boxing betting, Groves expressed confidence that Fury will return once Joshua recovers from injury or surgery, predicting the bout could take place later this year, possibly in Saudi Arabia.
“They’ve both been boxing their entire lives. They’ve earned enough and achieved plenty, but they won’t leave the table while there’s still something left for them. They’ll fight each other, and I’d like to see it.
“I’m almost certain he’ll fight Anthony Joshua once Joshua recovers from injury or elbow surgery. That’ll probably be later this year, likely in Saudi Arabia. They’re both prize fighters,” he said.
Groves also addressed Fury’s multiple retirements, stressing that the 36-year-old’s announcement should not be taken at face value. He explained that retirement offers fighters certain freedoms, such as escaping the rigours of athletic discipline and regulatory obligations, but it does not necessarily signal the end of their career.
“He’s retired five times now, so we know retirement means nothing,” Groves said.
“There are benefits to retiring. You don’t have to live like an athlete anymore or adhere to British Boxing Board of Control requirements. He’s got no belt to be stripped, and if he comes out of retirement, as he’s done before, it might add value and excitement to the fight,” Groves added.
Evaluating the potential clash between the two heavyweights, Groves described the fight as a genuine “pick ‘em” contest. He assessed Fury as the heavier, more agile fighter with superior boxing intelligence and quicker hands but believes Joshua remains a formidable athlete, renowned for his powerful punches and extensive big-fight experience.
The 37-year-old disagreed with Carl Froch’s recent claim that any bout between Fury and Joshua would be a “total mismatch” favouring Fury, stating firmly that it would not be a walkover.
“Joshua is still a great athlete, punches ridiculously hard, and has loads of big-fight experience. It comes down to who performs on the night, who wants it more, who’s got the most left. I disagree with Froch – I don’t think it’s a walkover.
“I think it’s a pick ‘em fight. Fury’s heavier, more agile, better boxing IQ, faster hands.”
Reflecting on Joshua’s dramatic knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, Groves described it as a significant blow to the former heavyweight champion’s career. He explained that Joshua appeared to underestimate Dubois, perhaps intending to start cautiously but was overwhelmed and knocked out decisively on one of the sport’s biggest stages, highlighting the serious toll on Joshua’s physical and mental reserves.
“Joshua’s last loss to Daniel Dubois was pretty devastating. Dubois got it right that night; he jumped on Joshua, who probably wanted to ease into the fight.”
