Anthony Joshua (below) was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September (Bradley Collyer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Tyson Fury has candidly stated that his primary motivation is money rather than legacy, eyeing a potential lucrative bout with Anthony Joshua. Despite holding onto his heavyweight titles, Fury is set to challenge Oleksandr Usyk once again at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday, hoping to claim the WBA, WBC, and WBO world heavyweight crowns from him.
After witnessing Joshua’s knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois at Wembley, Fury seemed to apprehend a financial loss, venting frustration by saying “that’s cost me £150million, the silly c***” – a comment he now confirms was sincere.
“Of course I did. We would have had a two-fight deal lined up for a s*** tonne of money. Unfortunately doors open, doors close,” admitted Fury, unconcerned by Joshua’s faltering reputation.
Fury downplayed the impact of Joshua’s performance against Dubois on their potential matchup: “Does it really matter if he has another loss or not? It doesn’t matter. It’s still a big fight.
“Even if he goes in against Dubois and he gets knocked out again – which he would – that doesn’t mean it’s a s*** fight now. It’s still a great fight. It’s a great fight that we all want to see.”
Tyson Fury (right) and Oleksandr Usyk clash for the second time on Saturday (Nick Potts/PA) (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Usyk took the title of undisputed champion following a split decision win in May before handing over the IBF belt to number one contender Dubois as per the sanctioning body’s mandate.
As the rematch looms, Fury, who made almost £100m from their first encounter, accepts the role of challenger and the lesser share of the purse, yet the total prize fund is estimated at a staggering £150m.
The 36-year-old claimed financial gain was his sole motivation for continuing to box, stating: “Legacy is my kids. I care about my family, my kids, providing for them, looking after them. That’s it.
“I’m only doing it for the money. All prize fighters, if they tell the truth, do it for the money. Who here is not doing it for the money?
“I don’t want to work for f*** all. I want as much as I can get. I want the easiest fights possible for the largest amounts of money possible.
“I don’t want the toughest fights possible for the least amount of money. I wasn’t born in a Christmas cracker.”