CARDIFF — The long-awaited heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is set to take place at the Principality Stadium on 11 December, with the WBA 'super' title on the line. Despite the significant commercial interest surrounding the fixture, Hall of Fame fighter Barry McGuigan has publicly questioned whether either man currently merits a world title opportunity.
Speaking to Boxing News, McGuigan argued that the involvement of a world title devalues the belt, noting that both fighters have previously been defeated by Oleksandr Usyk. “I think it does [devalue the WBA title], but money talks all languages. It’s a big money fight,” McGuigan stated. “Let’s be honest: they don’t deserve to be fighting for a world title. What have they done, since they’ve both been beaten by Usyk, to deserve to fight for a world title again?”
The bout, which has been discussed in boxing circles for a decade, sees both heavyweights entering the ring at a stage where critics suggest they are past their peak. Fury heads into the contest following recent victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach. Conversely, Joshua’s form has been scrutinised after he was forced to overcome two knockdowns before stopping Kristian Prenga in July, raising concerns regarding his punch resistance. While the match remains a major event, McGuigan’s comments highlight the ongoing debate regarding the criteria for title contention in the heavyweight division, a topic previously discussed in Lennox Lewis Backs Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua for WBA Title.