Fury vs Joshua: How do their records compare?

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is the biggest fight in British history, but how do their records match up ahead of the mouthwatering potential showdown.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has had his say, claiming it is “laughable” that people even compare the two.

He told Sky Sports: “It makes me laugh when people look at AJ’s resume. Maybe I’m seeing something other people don’t?

“I mean Dillian Whyte, Dominic Breazeale, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Carlos Takam previously that I missed out, Andy Ruiz, Kubrat Pulev.

“These are consecutive fights. You don’t see Tom Schwarz, Otto Wallin, Sefer Serferi. Who is the other geezer? I can’t even remember his name, the Italian bloke? And then Agit Kabayel.

“I mean it’s laughable when you compare the two resumes, but it’s in black and white for everyone to see.”

Fury vs Joshua records

It’s clear what Hearn thinks about the debate, but what about you? Let’s look at the facts as the row rages on Twitter:

Tyson Fury record (30-0-1)

Fury’s CV has two signature names on it – namely Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder.

Klitschko had reigned over the heavyweight division when the pair met in Germany in November 2015. Fury though prevailed via unanimous decision after befuddling the champion with a slick boxing masterclass.

Wilder was the most feared heavyweight puncher in years, and still unbeaten, when he met Fury for the first time in December 2018. Though he put ‘The Gypsy King’ down twice, he wasn’t able to finish the job. Indeed many judges thought Fury was unfortunate to only come away with a draw.

The rematch was completely one-sided as Fury – now under the tutelage of Kronk disciples ‘SugarHill’ Steward and Andy Lee – proved a revelation. Heavier and more aggressive than ever, he dominated from the start.

The seven rounds were nothing short of a beatdown before Wilder’s corner, controversially, threw in the towel.

Outside of those signature wins, Fury’s record is probably headlined by a pair of conclusive victories over seasoned British veteran Dereck Chisora.

The other salient point to make here is that Fury has of course never lost as a professional. A fact that – for now – separates the two men.

Anthony Joshua (23-1)

Joshua’s CV may not include Wilder. But it does include several big-name heavyweights of recent years.

Klitschko was 18 months on from his defeat by Fury when he met Joshua in a thriller at Wembley in April 2017. He took AJ out to deep waters before losing via an 11th-round stoppage.

Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko uppercut
Joshua’s uppercut against Klitschko provided a highlight-reel moment.

Apart from that, Joshua has beaten most of the big names out there. Dillian Whyte was conquered before the Watford man claimed his first world title.

Since then he has defended against the likes of Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin and Carlos Takam and Dominic Breazeale.

Joshua’s record of course does include one defeat – a shocker at the hands of 30/1 outsider Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019. AJ subsequently avenged that with an impressive boxing display in Saudi Arabia six months later.

Verdict

It all boils down to this. Do Fury’s two huge wins over the 2015 Klitschko and also over Wilder, add up to more than Joshua’s wins over Wladimir, Whyte, Parker, Povetkin, Takam and co?

The debate will rage on for a long time to come, probably around six months until hopefully they finally meet in a boxing ring. Then the time for talking will, at last, be over.