The rising popularity of ‘exhibition’ boxing bouts featuring YouTubers, former MMA stars and ring veterans who have been retired for decades continues to split opinion.
For some, the novelty factor of seeing different worlds collide only adds to the intrigue, whereas for others it’s a metaphorical flicking of the bird at a sport that should not have its integrity brought into disrepute.
Tyson Fury, a self-described entertainer and lover of the finer things in life, is somebody who has no qualms floating between these different worlds. He’s already ‘fought’ in the WWE, and rumors of a hybrid fight with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou persist.
Boxing fans would love to see the Gypsy King attempt to unify the heavyweight division, facing the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua clash – for which the Ukrainian is a warm favorite in the odds for those who bet on boxing.
If the bout pans out as the Joshua vs Usyk betting odds suggest it might, then Fury could meet the former undisputed cruiserweight champion – who is looking to achieve the incredible feat of unifying a second division – either later this year or early in 2023.
Fury to fight Joshua for free if AJ beats Usyk https://t.co/dyzVDeOpUf
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) July 11, 2022
Frustratingly, Fury seems to have other ideas for the time being – and top of the list is somewhat avenging his brother’s honor by taking on YouTube celebrity Logan Paul in… well, one way or another.
Brotherly Love
This is where things get a little complex and familial.
Jake Paul has gone from viral internet sensation to celebrity boxer, defeating former MMA fighters like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley at some seriously big venues – a bout with Hasim Rahman Jr is next on the agenda in August.
There is bad blood between the Pauls and the Furys, and so it would not be a surprise to see that rivalry cemented in some kind of physical contest, however with Jake seeking a career as an exhibition boxer it may be that his elder sibling Logan is put in the firing line of Tyson's wrath.
We will surely never see the pair lock horns in the boxing ring – Fury is the best heavyweight in the business, Paul a cruiserweight yet to win in three exhibition contests, and for the same reason a hybrid MMA fight is also off the table.
Tyson Fury believed to be in talks with WWE over appearing at upcoming UK stadium showhttps://t.co/2prKvZtPLZ
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 5, 2022
But in the WWE? Paul has just signed a contract with the company, and will take on The Miz at SummerSlam, while Fury has also stepped between the ropes before after battling Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel in 2019.
Dave Meltzer has commented that "the belief was Fury wants to do it", and so life could imitate art inside the squared circle… albeit in a kayfabe style.
So we could see Tyson Fury vs Logan Paul in 2022, but it’s likely to be in the wrestling ring as opposed to the Octagon.
