Dave Allen has been in the ring with some of the best heavyweights on the planet, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Allen is a well travelled boxer who has done plenty of gym round with the top talents in the banner division, including Oleksandr Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko, and he has also been under the lights in the professional ring against a fine list of names including Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz, though he lost to both.

Fury and Joshua have been on a collision course for much of that time but have never yet met in the ring. Many hoped this year would be the perfect time, given that both lost back-to-back fights to Usyk and were left without any belts as the Ukrainian became the undisputed champion.

Although Fury announced his shock retirement in January, which put paid to the plans for now, there is a general feeling – and plenty of hints from the man himself – that he will make a return for the lucrative contest.

Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Allen was asked who would win the fight if that should happen and opted clearly for ‘The Gypsy King.’

“I’ve got to go Tyson.”

Though neither men has a belt, it is a fight the public has long wanted and the fact their reputation and legacy would be on the line is what makes it so huge. ‘AJ’ will be recovering from minor elbow surgery and is targetting a return late in the year, giving Fury the time it takes to decide whether or not he will return.

As for Allen, he reinvigorated his career at the lower level with a statement knockout of Johnny Fisher this weekend in London, putting an end to any controversy from their first fight in which Fisher won on points.

Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has admitted that a potential mega-fight between the “Gypsy King” and Anthony Joshua remains tempting despite Fury’s stated desire for a trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk.

Warren told Sky News that while Fury might be motivated by revenge against Usyk, a showdown with Joshua would generate massive interest in Britain.

“For the Brits, Tyson and AJ is the fight that hasn’t happened. Maybe it will, who knows? So that’s got a massive appeal about it,” Warren said.

Fury announced his retirement from boxing at the start of this year after losing two tight decisions in world heavyweight title fights with Ukraine’s Usyk last year. However, the former WBC champion has regularly released footage of himself training in recent weeks, fuelling speculation that a comeback is imminent.

Warren believes that completing the trilogy with Usyk remains attractive to Fury, who feels aggrieved by the judging in their previous encounters.

“But Tyson to get the fight (with Usyk), get revenge (after) what he feels, and I feel certainly in one of the fights, was a fight that he won, that’s again a great, big fight,” the veteran promoter explained.

Despite acknowledging Fury’s hunger for revenge against the Ukrainian, Warren threw a curveball into the heavyweight mix by backing Daniel Dubois to defeat Usyk in their upcoming clash.

“But you know what, Daniel Dubois is going to beat Usyk. So that’s going to throw a bomb in the middle of it all,” he added.

Fury and Joshua held world titles concurrently during their careers but never faced each other during their championship reigns, a fact that still rankles with British boxing fans who have long clamoured for this dream matchup.

While expressing his support for Fury should he decide to return to the ring, Warren advised Joshua against pursuing a rematch with Dubois, who handed the two-time world champion a devastating knockout defeat last September at Wembley Stadium.

“You see, the first fight, he’s getting better and better,” Warren said of Dubois.

“So it’s a tough fight for AJ. I can understand where AJ’s coming from, he’s a fighting man, he’s a two-time world champion, but I hate to say this, this sport is mostly for young men. Except if you’re a promoter.”

Joshua, who has a net worth of €232m according to the Sunday Times Rich List, has seen his earnings soar by €24m from €208m last year despite the setback against Dubois.

The British-Nigerian boxer hasn’t fought since that devastating knockout at Wembley Stadium, having initially intended to pursue an immediate rematch before reportedly suffering minor injuries from the first encounter.

Any potential clash between Fury and Joshua would undoubtedly be one of the most lucrative in British boxing history, with both fighters commanding eight-figure purses for their recent contests.

Carl Froch Makes Emphatic Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Prediction: “His Soul Was Taken That Night”

A monumental domestic showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could yet still happen.

The British heavyweight greats have been on a collision course for the best part of ten years, but a bout between the pair is yet to come to fruition for a number of reasons, much to the disappointment of boxing fans around Great Britain.

Fury announced his retirement from the sport at the beginning of the year, just weeks after he was beaten by Ukrainian superstar and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for a second time. Despite this, ‘The Gypsy King’ appears to have made a return to training, fuelling rumours of a comeback in the upcoming months.

Joshua has not fought since he was beaten by British rival Daniel Dubois last September, losing out on becoming world heavyweight champion for the third time against the reigning IBF champion, who is just two months away from facing Usyk in a bid to become Britain’s first undisputed heavyweight champion.

Former unified super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has weighed in on a potential showdown between Fury and Joshua on his own Youtube channel, claiming it would be an ‘easy win’ for ‘The Gypsy King’.

“AJ’s been flattened a few times, we’ve seen him lose against Andy Ruiz, he lost his soul that night and never regained it.

That’s a fight that I would probably say you know what, if you’re gonna come out of retirement, I know Anthony Joshua’s not retired, but if Fury’s gonna come out of retirement that makes sense for Fury, because for me, it’s a f—–g easy win, I’m not being horrible, Tyson Fury for me runs rings around Anthony Joshua, AJ’s got no confidence, he got flattened in his last fight and look at the form Anthony Joshua has been on, compared to the form that Tyson Fury has been on.”

Any official news of a showdown between the domestic heavyweight rivals is yet to be made, but with Fury back in camp and Joshua waiting for an opponent, boxing fans could finally get to see the pair lock horns this year after almost a decade of waiting.

British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua has emerged richer than England football captain Harry Kane and heavyweight rival Tyson Fury as his net worth has soared to €232m, according to the newly published Sunday Times Rich List.

The two-time heavyweight world champion has seen his earnings increase by a whopping €24m from €208m last year to €232m currently.

Joshua has also been listed among the wealthiest under-40s in the UK, sitting in 24th place.

Despite his impressive financial standing, Joshua isn’t the number one athlete on the Sunday Times’ list.

That accolade belongs to golf star Rory McIlroy. The 36-year-old is worth a jaw-dropping €304m compared to his value of €263m a year ago.

McIlroy’s earnings saw a huge spike last month after he finally got his hands on the Masters, and in doing so, achieved a career grand slam. The win saw him scoop €3.68m, which saw his total PGA Tour prize money go beyond €117m.

Joshua’s rise on the rich list has seen him stay ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, whose €117m value placed him at No.38 in the list. The only other name included on the staggering list from the world of sport was Andy Murray, who placed at 35 with €128m.

The boxing sensation hasn’t fought since suffering a devastating knockout to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September. It looked like the pair would square off in an immediate rematch, but ‘AJ’ suffered a slight setback after picking up some minor injuries in the first encounter.

Over the last few years, the heavyweight boxer has become accustomed to pocketing life-changing paydays. It was reported that he earned around €35m for his second-round KO of Francis Ngannou last year.

Joshua reportedly banked a guaranteed €7m following his defeat to Dubois—but roughly took home around €29m in total following pay-per-view sales.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Tyson Fury was crowned the highest-paid boxer in 2024, ahead of rivals Oleksandr Usyk and Joshua, according to Sportico.

In total, the ‘Gypsy King’ pocketed a total sum of $147m (€137m)—with $140m (€131m) coming from salary/winnings, whilst the final $7m (€6m) came from endorsements.

From endorsement deals alone in the world of boxing, Joshua earned the joint-most, featuring alongside Jake Paul.

However, in terms of the highest-paid athletes in 2024, ‘AJ’ didn’t feature in the top 20. Instead, the Brit was placed at 30, pocketing a grand total of $60m (€56m) last year, with $50m (€47m) coming through salary/winnings.

After Tyson Fury teased another return to boxing, one former champion has told the Gypsy King to do everything he can to take on Anthony Joshua

Ex-world champion Carl Froch has encouraged Tyson Fury to arrange a bout with Anthony Joshua, stating it would be a routine victory for the Gypsy King.

Fury, 37, stepped away from boxing following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk, but has frequently hinted at a comeback. In late April, Fury shared a video of himself training with long-time coach Sugarhill Steward, sparking speculation that a return to the ring was on the cards.

With Daniel Dubois set to take on Usyk for the undisputed world championship in July, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, recently revealed that Joshua will undergo keyhole surgery on his elbow, side-lining him for four to six weeks. The Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion hasn’t fought since his knockout defeat by Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September. Reflecting on that match, Froch believes Fury would easily triumph over Joshua if they were to face off.

On the Froch on Fighting podcast, the two-time WBC super middleweight champion said: “Fury, if he comes out of retirement, the only fight really that’s going to be interesting for the fans, the only fight that I want to see personally is if he fights Anthony Joshua. It’s not that I’m mega interested and if it doesn’t happen that I’m going to be annoyed or feel like I’ve missed out on something, because I won’t do.

“But, that will be the one that people want to see. That will probably still fill Wembley, but as a boxing purist, as a lover of the sport, am I that bothered if Tyson Fury never steps in the ring with Anthony Joshua? I’ll be honest, no.

“AJ has been flattened, ironed out, a few times. We’ve seen him lose against Andy Ruiz, he lost his soul and never regained it. He had a comeback with Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, he also beat Otto Wallin and then Francis Ngannou, the MMA fighter.

“Those four fights really flattered AJ, but never really tested him. He was never put under the kosh, he was never having to fight in there really with anybody that was coming in swinging, trying to take him out.

“The minute he steps in there with somebody that was lively, with a pulse, that was trying to do him, what happened? He got f***ing flattened. To me, that was the end of him.”

Joshua’s defeat by Dubois marked the fourth loss of his professional boxing career. His first career defeat came at the hands of Andy Ruiz, but the loss to his fellow Brit was the first time he failed to rise before the count of 10.

Froch believes that Joshua may be too mentally scarred from that bout to face a fighter as formidable as Fury, despite the latter suffering two losses to Usyk.

Froch added: “That was a career ending performance. That was a finishing wipe out. That’s what that is, mentally, physically, everything. He’s had a long time out the ring as well. Between September and December, it’s going to be getting on for a year when Anthony Joshua comes back.

“He’s talking about elbow surgery as well, so if he has elbow surgery, it’s going to put him out for another two or three months. The way he performed against Usyk and then got flattened by Dubois, I just feel he’s a disaster waiting to happen.

“For me, it’s an easy win for Fury. For me, I don’t care who wins, I’ve got no favourite for this fight. Tyson Fury is in better form. He had a stinker against Ngannou, but his two fights against Usyk shows me he has still got it and is still good enough and is still capable.”

Eddie Hearn has revealed in an interview that the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight is more likely to happen now than ever before.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been pitted against each other for nearly ten years, with rumoured agreements and social media deadlines punctuating this long rivalry between the two British heavyweight superstars.

The Matchroom boss, speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, said Joshua is ready to make a fight with Fury after coming back from his elbow surgery and that the ball is in Fury’s court.

Hearn said: “AJs got to have a little keyhole surgery on an elbow. He’ll be back post September.”

He continued: “When we talk about big fights – this fight is the biggest fight – not just in British boxing, in world boxing by a mile. I just feel like it’s time, this is the moment. We’re reliant upon Tyson Fury, [but] we’re ready to go.”

With Fury teasing a return to the ring on social media twice already this year, Hearn believes that he will not be able to resist the temptation to come back and take on ‘AJ’.

He said of Fury: “He’s a competitive so and so, and I just know in his mind he’ll want to dance with Anthony Joshua. So, dust those shoes off and let’s make it happen.”

The circumstances and relationships surrounding this fight have changed drastically since it was first proposed. Neither man holds a belt and Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have a recently reconciled relationship that has opened the door for many cross promotional matchups already.

Joshua’s promoter believes this will be the key to the fight being made as easily as ‘one phone call’.

Hearn said: “Honestly, one phone call. Previously one had a belt, one was the challenger. One was unified, me and Frank Warren never spoke, me and Tyson Fury didn’t get on. That ship’s sailed now, and it really is one phone call just to say, Look, here are the terms, you’re both not champions at the moment but you’re both huge stars – let’s just get on with it and make it happen.’”

He concluded: “So, fingers crossed, but I’m quietly confident.”

Anthony Joshua to undergo surgery THIS WEEK as Eddie Hearn reveals ‘encouraging’ update with ‘big tease’ Tyson Fury

Another option has also emerged for AJ’s next fight

ANTHONY JOSHUA is to have surgery on his elbow THIS WEEK – as talks to finally fight “big tease” Tyson Fury move a step closer.

Joshua, 35, is yet to return since his September knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, 27, with a secret injury delaying his comeback.

AJ has since revealed the setback was caused by a problem with his elbow – which promoter Eddie Hearn reveals is due to be fixed this week.

Hearn told SunSport: “He just goes back into camp and just can’t fire on all cylinders consistently.

“So he can go back, have a couple of sessions, bit of soreness in the elbow.

“They tried to let it rest and recover and they’ve told him that I think it’s this week, he has a small keyhole surgery in the arm.

“Clear out, and it’s four-six weeks, he’s good to go. So I think we’re looking post-September.”

Following Joshua’s loss and Fury’s double defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year, it set up the beaten Brits to finally settle their overdue score.

That was until Fury announced a shock retirement – the fourth of his career – in January only one month after Usyk won their rematch.

But the unpredictable Gypsy King has since ended his social media silence to begin hinting at a comeback – leaving Hearn hopeful.

The promoter said: “Tyson Fury is a big tease, everyday I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds.

“He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging, but obviously probably the delay that AJ’s got is a blessing, to be honest with you.

“One, you’ve got Usyk against Dubois coming up so that gives you a little bit of time.

“And number two, you’ve got Tyson Fury who could potentially come back to the ring so it’s gonna be interesting to see what plays out.”

Turki Alalshikh’s introduction to boxing and his deep Saudi pockets have helped bridge the gap between Hearn and long-time rival Frank Warren.

The previously warring promoters even share the sports streaming platform DAZN now – paving the way for talks between AJ and Fury.

Hearn admitted: “I’d be lying if I said we haven’t discussed it socially, because obviously everyone’s desperate to make it happen.

“But, no one said, ‘Oh, I think it’s coming, I think he’s coming back.’ But at the same time, he’s training.

Tyson Fury is a big tease, every day I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds. He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging

“And I feel like with Tyson Fury over the years, you’ve seen him not training and balloon out of shape and then it takes him a long time to come back.

“Now it looks like he’s either ready to fight or he’s ready to begin camp, which is hugely encouraging. But I just don’t think he’ll be able to leave it alone, if I’m honest with you.

“Because, the money’s one thing, but just the occasion and the challenge, and he’s a competitor, he’s a winner. And I just can’t believe he’s gonna let it slide.”

While Fury is Joshua & Co’s main target, Hearn warned they will await the result of Dubois’ July 19 rematch with Usyk at Wembley.

Hearn is adamant AJ will fight before the year ends – with or without Fury.

He warned: “Next couple of months, if there’s no movement, we fight.

“I mean there’s no way AJ’s not fighting this year. So who that will be? I can’t tell you.

“I mean, that’s the million dollar question at all times, but I think more importantly is, do we get any news from Fury in the next four, six, eight weeks?

“If we do, we’ll fight him this year. If not, we’ll fight and then maybe he comes back next year, who knows?

“But I’d be lying if I said we weren’t desperate to see him return. But, at the same time we can’t just wait around and see what happens.”