As the highly anticipated showdown between heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua draws nearer, former champion Duke McKenzie has issued a direct warning to Fury, advising him to steer clear of a particular opponent. Following a 15-month hiatus from the ring, Fury made a successful return earlier this year against Arslanbek Makhmudov, securing a decisive unanimous decision. This victory provided a crucial confidence boost ahead of a significant year, particularly after his two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury’s Next Steps Amidst Joshua Build-Up
Following Fury’s win over the Russian contender, official confirmation was made regarding his upcoming bout with Joshua later this year. Both fighters are reportedly seeking a tune-up fight over the summer to sharpen their skills. Anthony Joshua’s plans are already public; he is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25th. Fury is expected to announce a similar preparatory bout, but McKenzie believes he should bypass one name currently circulating in potential matchups.
McKenzie’s Stance on Andy Ruiz Jr.
Speaking in a recent interview, McKenzie was questioned about the possibility of a fight between Tyson Fury and Andy Ruiz Jr. Ruiz Jr. famously upset the boxing world in 2019, stopping Joshua in the seventh round at a packed Madison Square Garden. However, McKenzie is firm in his conviction that Ruiz Jr. is not a suitable opponent for Fury’s warm-up fight leading into the end-of-year clash with Joshua.
McKenzie elaborated on his reasoning, stating, “No, there is absolutely no sense in it. Stylistically, Andy Ruiz is all wrong, isn’t he? He’s not 6ft 6 or however tall Joshua is. He’s not got long arms, he’s short, he’s diminutive, and he’s a little pressure fighter. Stylistically, that fight is all wrong.” He continued, “What he does need is somebody tall and rangy. Joshua, I’m talking about, and Fury is going to have to go down the same road.”
Considering the preparations needed for the Joshua encounter, McKenzie sees little strategic benefit in a fight with Ruiz Jr. Since his rematch with Joshua, Ruiz Jr. has competed only three times, with his most recent outing resulting in a draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024.
Fury Teases Summer Return
Beyond the proposed bout with Ruiz Jr., Tyson Fury himself has hinted at a return to the ring in August, potentially in Dublin. He recently shared a video on social media from his training camp in Thailand, accompanied by the caption: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland.”
Thorough preparation for one of boxing’s most anticipated fights is paramount, especially given the extended periods both Fury and Joshua have spent away from elite competition. Joshua’s last fight was in December, where he defeated Jake Paul. Following a personal tragedy, his future in the sport was uncertain. The potential mega-fight with Fury at the close of the year could mark a significant chapter in his career, culminating in a sold-out stadium event featuring two of Britain’s most recognized boxing stars, finally meeting after years of anticipation.
