Former WBA super middleweight champion George Groves has cast doubt on Tyson Fury’s latest retirement, suggesting the British heavyweight could return to the ring later this year—spurred by Anthony Joshua’s recent setbacks and potential recovery.
Speaking to Express via Lottoland boxing betting, Groves said he is “almost certain” that Fury will fight Joshua once the former unified champion recovers from injury or elbow surgery. He speculated that the long-anticipated clash could take place in Saudi Arabia.
“They’ve both been boxing their entire lives. They’ve earned enough and achieved plenty, but they won’t leave the table while there’s still something left for them,” Groves said. “I’m almost certain he’ll fight Anthony Joshua once Joshua recovers… probably later this year.”
Fury, 36, announced his retirement in January—his fifth such declaration—but Groves urged fans not to take it seriously.
“He’s retired five times now, so we know retirement means nothing,” he said, pointing out that stepping away offers boxers a break from the physical demands of training and regulatory obligations.
“He’s got no belt to be stripped, and if he comes out of retirement again, as he’s done before, it might even add excitement to the fight,” Groves added.
Addressing the potential Joshua-Fury bout, Groves described it as a balanced contest despite some recent opinions dismissing Joshua’s chances. He rejected fellow former champion Carl Froch’s suggestion that the fight would be a “total mismatch” in Fury’s favour.
“Joshua is still a great athlete, punches ridiculously hard, and has loads of big-fight experience. It comes down to who performs on the night,” he said. “I think it’s a pick ‘em fight. Fury’s heavier, more agile, better boxing IQ, faster hands.”
Groves also reflected on Joshua’s recent knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, calling it a major setback. He believes Joshua underestimated his opponent, which proved costly.
“Dubois got it right that night; he jumped on Joshua, who probably wanted to ease into the fight,” Groves noted. “It was a pretty devastating loss and has surely taken a toll—physically and mentally.”
As speculation grows, boxing fans worldwide continue to hope that a Fury-Joshua mega fight might finally become reality—fueled by rivalry, redemption, and unfinished business in the heavyweight division.
