Tyson Fury defeated Mariusz Wach within seven rounds in a low-key bout in Thailand on Friday. The victory has shifted focus to Fury's potential next steps, including a possible attendance at Anthony Joshua's comeback fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Fury, a former heavyweight world champion, is expected to travel to Jeddah after his win, according to Daily Mail Sport. Saudi organizers Sela are arranging his travel in hopes he will be present for Joshua's fight against Kristian Prenga on Saturday night. This event is seen as a precursor to a potential megafight between Fury and Joshua later this year.
Wach retired on his stool in the seventh round, signaling the end of a fight that was reportedly one-sided. Fury connected with multiple uppercuts in the fifth round. The contest was not carried by any major broadcaster and was widely considered a tune-up fight for Fury, who is ranked outside the world's top 200.
The event also served a charitable purpose, with gate receipts from the 1,500 attendees donated to the Father Ray Foundation, a Pattaya-based charity supporting underprivileged children.
The possibility of Fury attending Joshua's fight remains uncertain. Fury has previously stated he had no plans to attend, a stance reminiscent of the unfulfilled face-off after Fury's victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this year. On that occasion, Joshua was present but did not enter the ring as contracts were not finalized. This time, Fury may be adopting a similar strategy, choosing not to provide Joshua with a spotlight moment following his own comeback, despite the potential for future negotiations.
Joshua's return to the ring is significant, marking his first fight since a car crash that claimed the lives of two friends and team members. He has spoken about continuing their work and ambitions while supporting their families financially. Despite the uncertainty of a ringside meeting, organizers hope the two British heavyweights will share a stage if Joshua secures a victory.
Fury's professional record now stands at 36 wins from 39 fights following his win over Wach.
