In a surprising and bold statement, Derrick James, former trainer of Anthony Joshua, has expressed his doubts about Joshua’s chances in a potential fight against Tyson Fury. This statement comes as the boxing world eagerly anticipates the possibility of an all-British showdown between the two heavyweight giants.
During an interview, James did not hold back his thoughts on the matchup between Joshua and Fury. He stated, “He won’t last 10 seconds,” referring to Joshua’s chances against Fury. This blunt prediction has caused quite a stir in the boxing community, especially given James’ history with Joshua.
Joshua, a former heavyweight champion, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Following his first defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, he parted ways with his longtime trainer Rob McCracken and teamed up with Robert Garcia. Despite their efforts, Joshua lost the rematch, leading him to seek the expertise of Derrick James. Under James’ guidance, Joshua secured victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, but ultimately moved on to Brit Ben Davison for his recent win over Otto Wallin.
James’ harsh verdict is rooted in his assessment of Joshua’s current form and his performance in recent fights. While acknowledging Joshua’s efforts and improvements, James believes that Fury’s skill set and current form would be too overwhelming for Joshua.
“Fury is a different beast,” James elaborated. “He’s got the reach, the agility, and the mental game. Joshua has improved, but against Fury, those improvements won’t be enough. It’s not about Joshua lacking skills; it’s about Fury being on another level.”
Despite James’ stark prediction, the potential fight between Joshua and Fury remains one of the most anticipated in boxing. Both fighters have significant bouts ahead: Joshua is set to fight Daniel Dubois on September 21, aiming to become a three-time heavyweight champion, while Fury will rematch Usyk on the same day in December.
The path to Joshua versus Fury has been fraught with challenges, but the allure of this matchup continues to captivate fans. Whether James’ prediction holds true or not, the prospect of these two titans clashing in the ring promises excitement and high stakes.
Derrick James’ bold statement has added a new layer of intrigue to the potential Joshua vs. Fury fight. While his prediction of “He won’t last 10 seconds” may seem harsh, it underscores the unpredictability and drama that make boxing such a compelling sport. As both fighters prepare for their upcoming bouts, the boxing world will be watching closely, eagerly awaiting the day when Joshua and Fury might finally meet in the ring.
