Boxing legend reveals Tyson Fury injury that may cancel Anthony Joshua fight

A boxing legend has publicly suggested that Tyson Fury is carrying an injury serious enough to cancel his December 11 fight with Anthony Joshua.

Frank Bruno, the former WBC heavyweight champion, made the claim during an appearance on the Fight Your Corner podcast with Tony Bellew.

“I looked at him the other day, and I think someone was talking to me in the gym that he’s got some injury, which may stop him from going into the fight with Anthony Joshua,” Bruno said.

“And having that on your head ain’t nice.”

The fight is scheduled for the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, with a capacity of 80,000 fans expected.

It is for the WBA (Super) heavyweight title and comes after years of negotiations and public back-and-forth between the two British heavyweights.

Fury’s camp has denied the injury claim.

A representative told Sky Sports News that the fight is set to go ahead as planned, and that there is no issue with Fury’s fitness.

Bruno did not specify the nature or severity of the alleged injury, nor did he name the person who told him about it.

He spoke only in general terms about what he had heard secondhand from someone at a gym.

Bellew, a former cruiserweight world champion, was the one who brought up the topic of Fury’s vulnerabilities during the podcast.

“I think that AJ doesn’t win this fight on points. He can only win it by knockout,” Bellew said.

“And I think Tyson Fury is a very good boxer, but he’s shown vulnerabilities and he’s only getting at this age and at this part of your career, you’re not getting quicker. You’re only getting slower.”

Bruno agreed with that assessment before adding his concern about a possible injury.

Fury is 38 years old and has been boxing professionally since 2008.

He holds a record of 34-1-1 with 24 knockouts.

His only loss came against John McDermott in 2009, which he later avenged, and his draw was with Deontay Wilder in 2018 before he won their rematch by knockout.

Anthony Joshua, 36, has a record of 28-3 with 25 knockouts.

He lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, then returned with a win over Robert Helenius in 2023.

The December 11 bout is scheduled to begin around 1 a.m. local time, with the stadium remaining open until 3:30 a.m.

Fury recently said he intends to keep fighting after this match, telling WSVN Miami from his training camp: “I’m going to continue. I’ve got two fights left on my contract. I’ll finish the contract off and then probably sign another 10-fight deal. Who knows?”

“If the money’s right sign another 10 fights, but they’ve got to be quick because I’m getting older. And when it’s gone it’s gone. I’m coming up to fight No 40.”

The fight has already generated significant attention, with tickets sold and broadcast deals in place.

If Fury were to withdraw, one potential replacement opponent has been discussed: Deontay Wilder.

Wilder is already booked to fight Jai Opetaia in the co-main event of the same card on December 11.