Now is the perfect time for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua - and there's one clear winner

Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua, will they, won’t they? We have been here a thousand times but if they are to get it on, now would be the perfect time. Fury is supposed to be retired but is seemingly hard at it in the gym.

Joshua is enjoying a break after the loss to Daniel Dubois. The truth is this fight has never made more sense. Both have lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, and Joshua is processing that devastating defeat to Dubois.

While Usyk and Dubois are destined for each other this summer, the best way to clear a way back to a shot at the title is to face off and build a compelling case.

I know what it’s like. This game searches your soul. You go through physical and mental torture and that’s just in training. They have both been to the top of the mountain, and it’s difficult to get back.

But they are huge characters with big histories. It wouldn’t even matter if neither fought Usyk again. This has its own significance. Who has the most left, and what have they got to give?

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As a rule, heavyweights don’t age at the same rate as the lighter men. So from that perspective they are not old athletes. Fury is 36, Joshua 35. And when they look back on their careers they don’t want to be asking themselves who would have won the fight.

Joshua is more physically imposing, and the last thing you lose is your punch. Fury is not a devastating hitter. He uses his skills and physical attributes to wear down opponents.

Joshua is the more dangerous, the harder puncher with the greater explosiveness, qualities you retain right to the end. Fury could outbox him for a couple of rounds, but Joshua would reach Fury at some point

Fury has the longer reach by three inches, but when the other man is 6ft 6in with a reach of 82ins, it’s hardly significant. Styles make fights and I believe Fury is just right for Joshua. I would have favoured him at their peaks and I would now.

Fury is not Dubois. He doesn’t carry that threat. And just because Dubois beat Joshua it does not mean Fury would. It’s a different fight. Fury pushed Usyk harder than Joshua did, but the dynamic would be totally different were they to meet each other. The details change everything.

Fury’s style suits Joshua. There is a lot to hit. Fury has quick hands but I think Joshua walks him onto a right hand. And if he did that he would be right back in the picture.

Follow Barry on X at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigan’s_Gym