Former WBA super middleweight champion George Groves believes Tyson Fury’s decision to retire in January is unlikely to be permanent — and that Anthony Joshua’s recent struggles could prompt Fury’s return to the ring.
Speaking to Express via Lottoland boxing betting, Groves expressed confidence that Fury will come back once Joshua recovers from injury or surgery, predicting the fight could happen 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 announcements should not be taken at face value. He explained that retirement offers fighters certain freedoms — from the rigours of training and regulatory obligations — but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of their careers.
“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,” he added.
Evaluating the potential clash between the two heavyweights, Groves described it as a genuine “pick ’em” contest. He noted that Fury is the heavier and more agile fighter, with superior boxing IQ and faster hands, but Joshua remains a dangerous opponent — a powerful athlete with extensive big-fight experience.
Groves also disagreed with Carl Froch’s recent claim that a Fury vs. Joshua bout would be a “total mismatch” in Fury’s favour.
“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 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, Groves called it a major setback in Joshua’s career. He believes Joshua may have underestimated Dubois and intended to start cautiously, but was overwhelmed and knocked out on one of boxing’s biggest stages — a result that likely took a serious toll on both his 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.”
