Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, has denied rumours of a four-man tournament featuring himself and Anthony Joshua.
The ‘Gipsy King’ has yet to fight this year after months of talks with Oleksandr Usyk over an undisputed fight fell through due to both parties failing to reach an agreement.
Last week, radio host Simon Jordan suggested that talks were underway for a four-man tournament that would feature Fury, who would face Usyk, and Joshua, who would face Deontay Wilder on the same night. Malik Scott, Wilder’s trainer, confirmed that talks were underway, and Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed that Saudi Arabia had expressed interest in the idea.
But the WBC champion quickly dismissed the fan-friendly format, writing on his Instagram story, “I can confirm that these rumours are absolute bulls***.”
Fury had already posted earlier in the day a picture of himself returning to the gym alongside training partner Joseph Parker, which sparked speculation that he could be looking at a return date.
The four-man tournament would be a hugely appealing night for fans, and could have finally led to Joshua’s long-awaited British grudge match with Fury if both men came through their proposed difficult tests.
The ‘Gypsy King’ hasn’t fought since stopping Derek Chisora in a routine trilogy bout in December, but fought twice last year having also ousted Dillian Whyte in a mandatory defence. A potential showdown with Joe Joyce was touted prior to his defeat to Zhilei Zhang at the weekend, which leaves Fury struggling to find an opponent.