Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury plans to ask U.S. President Donald Trump to lead his ring walk before his Battle of Britain
showdown with Anthony Joshua in Cardiff on December 11, though Fury acknowledges the U.S. president’s schedule makes it unlikely.
Why Is Tyson Fury Inviting Donald Trump to Cardiff?
Tyson Fury aims to bring U.S. President Donald Trump into the procession at the 80,000-capacity Principality Stadium for his upcoming fight against British rival Anthony Joshua. The two men met earlier in the year at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in June. During that appearance, Fury wore a cap bearing the message Donald Trump for Prime Minister
alongside an embroidered British flag, following the lifting of his United States travel ban.
When asked about arranging the appearance for the December 11 fight, Fury acknowledged the practical hurdles.
“I’ll definitely make that offer to my old buddy, old pal, and we’ll see if he’s available. Probably unlikely because of the situation he’s in at the moment, being the President of the United States.”
Tyson Fury, via ESPN
The self-styled Gypsy King met the 80-year-old president at the South Lawn gathering alongside First Lady Melania Trump and other figures. Before his political career, the president hosted a handful of major fights, including a 91-second bout featuring Mike Tyson in 1988.
How Did the Fight and Dana White’s Involvement Come Together?
The long-awaited bout follows negotiations that involved separate and conflicting contracts. Joshua’s paperwork required enrollment in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association program back in April, while Fury’s agreement stated he did not need to submit his whereabouts until the launch press conference.
“There isn’t anybody you could say is involved and I would say I didn’t want to do it. If the Grim Reaper was involved, I’d say, ‘Crack on, let’s do it.’ Come on already, let’s just get the fight done.”
Tyson Fury, via The Independent
Complications also emerged regarding family training camps, as Tyson’s uncle, Peter Fury, engaged with Joshua’s team to offer advice on his skill set. This prompted a furious reaction from Tyson’s father, John Fury, who strongly criticized the connection in a discussion with Playbook Boxing.
What Does Fury Say About Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk?
Despite the massive scale of the December 11 showdown in Wales, Fury insists he views the contest as a stepping stone rather than a career pinnacle. Having lost twice previously to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury made it clear that he is treating Joshua as a preparatory match for a trilogy bout.
“This is a bum to me and I can guarantee that on the night when I knock him spark out he won’t know what time it is. And then I want the rabbit [Usyk] in New York City.”
Tyson Fury, via Sky Sports
Fury notes that this year has been his most active year since 2018, having already completed 12 rounds of sparring with a 6-foot-8 Arslanbek Makhmudov and seven rounds with a 6-foot-7 Mariusz Wach to maintain his match fitness at age 38.
When Do Tickets Go on Sale for the Cardiff Bout?
The fight takes place on Friday, December 11, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with the vacant WBA super
heavyweight title on the line and broadcasting live on Netflix. Tickets for the event go on general sale on Friday, October 9, at noon BST.