Prior to Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight bout with Francis Ngannou on Friday, the two fighters had a meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The Brits have a long-standing rivalry, but they have rarely met paths.
Fury did not address Joshua directly, but he did criticize Ngannou for implying that he had won their October bout.
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According to promoter Eddie Hearn, “Tyson was on golden form going around interrogating everybody, he had a few words with Francis Ngannou,” ESPN reported.
Alongside Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and football player Cristiano Ronaldo, Joshua, Fury, and Ngannou posed for a photo.
They didn’t utter many words. Regarding the exchange between Joshua and Fury, Hearn stated, “There’s definitely a kind of ‘that’s him over there’ kind of mentality.”
“I think they know it’s only a matter of time until they meet [in the ring].”
Justis Huni and Joseph Parker, who are on the undercard, were among the boxers welcomed by Alalshikh, who did the same for earlier fight nights in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, promoters Hearn and Frank Warren were present.
Alalshikh is known for having revolutionized boxing with the wealth of the Saudi royal behind him.
Since he has settled disputes and rivalries between athletes and promoters, including as those involving Hearn and Warren, there is more optimism that Fury and Joshua will eventually materialize.
WBC champion Tyson Fury arrived in Riyadh earlier on Tuesday, and he is anticipated to be present at the fight on Friday, when his brother, Roman Fury, 27, is scheduled to compete on the undercard.
“That might have had an impact on AJ years ago, but not now. He’s just so laser-focused right now,” Hearn remarked.
“Be interesting to see what Tyson Fury does at ringside.”
Saudi Arabia’s investment in boxing does not seem to be slowing down, despite persistent charges that it uses elite level sport as a diversion from its dismal human rights record.
Although there seems to be little interest from the locals few fans have shown out for the fight week events thus far—the amount of money being invested in the build-up is astounding.
The promotional videos’ production quality, which complemented the arcade fight computer game motif, was on par with many Hollywood trailers.
Although the purses have not been made public, Forbes shockingly reports that Joshua may receive $50 million, while Ngannou will only receive $10 million.
