AJ vs Wilder or Fury?

100%.

Not only will neither of those fights give any kind of definitive outcomes whatsoever - because they ARE all declined (and to what extent each will always be debatable) - but, as you say, it'll be used as an excuse regardless of what happens...

We already know that two of them were a level or more higher than the third so, like you, I'd rather see the two better guys fight and that's obviously AJ and Fury.

 

Fury's last fight was against Usyk, AJ's last fight was against Jake Paul, and he looked awful in it. That's a pretty big gap especially given how inactive they are. AJ simply isn't ready to jump straight in with Fury, he may as well test himself against Wilder to see if there's anything left in the tank.

 

I'd rate coming off the back of a win over Chisora higher than Jake Paul, so it's not guaranteed that AJ is the better opponent at this point despite him appearing to be fresher and younger.

Either way, AJ clearly needs a tune up before jumping in with Fury or he'll get his ass kicked.

 

Fury destroys AJ
AJ destroys Wilder

So doesn't matter...AJ Fury will be the fight unless we get a surprise Fury Usyk trilogy.

 

Fury-AJ is the more meaningful fight for both men's legacy

Wilder-AJ would be the more competitive, entertaining fight

I'd still rather see Fury-AJ though

 

The assumption is Fury is going to be 100%. If he always? Nope. Does he always take care of himself? Nope.

But you aren't wrong. I would favor AJ over Wilder. And if he looked OK, Fury would be logical. Of course, Fury has to get passed Mahmudov. And that's not necessarily a guarantee

 

I'm really not convinced AJ V Wilder is a competitive fight these days.

I feel Wilder has lost his speed and a lot of his power that made him a serious threat in his prime.

 

True, but we'll find out this weekend if Fury still has it in him. I expect he uses the full 12 rounds to shake off the rust, and I don't think Mahkmudov will pose too much challenge, but an upset is always possible I guess.

AJ has been on radio silence for awhile now (understandably so), but if he intends on remaining a contender he needs to pull finger and be active against legit opponents.

 

Agreed on all parts

 

This

 

Joshua-Fury. I've been wanting this for about 7 years straight now. They might not particularly be the "top dogs" anymore but they are still the two biggest names in Britain. It simply has to happen. It's still gotta be the biggest fight in Britain, if it gets made. The build-up and coverage will be on a huge scale. It would sell out Wembley in just hours. It's a no-brainer.

Whereas I've been wanting Wilder-Ngannou for years, no joke. Even way before Ngannou made his debut against Fury, I was dreaming of this fight. Arguably the two hardest punchers in combat sports. Wouldn't probably be too much boxing on display, but someone's going to sleep. So I'd love that to happen in the meantime. Probably won't.

I wouldn't be upset if Joshua-Wilder got made though, don't get me wrong, I'd love to see it too. I agree it would be the more nail-biting fight. But just not at the expense of Joshua-Fury.

 

This is so true. Any boxer on the wrong side of 30 who loses, is shot. Never mind past 35.

They've been waiting for Usyk to lose for years now so they can say the same thing. He's already "on the decline" despite winning against the likes of Dubois, Fury and Joshua twice, and convincingly. Sure, Usyk is getting on, and his style doesn't exactly gel well with age, but I can't say I've noticed a decline yet. Boxing fans are strange.

 

Fury v AJ is the better fight I favor Fury 70/30 and I think it will be competitive for a little bit.
I seriously reckon AJ sparks Wilder out within 3 rounds at this stage.

 

AJ V Fury would be competitive still, even if Fury looks great against Makhmudov. And of course, it would be a better and more financially lucrative fight.

I just can't see today's version of Wilder beating AJ. Hes not just exposed for his flaws as a fighter, hes also shot to bits. This is a fight that should have happened many years ago. Its too late now.

 

AJ vs Wilder would be a banger even at this stage of their careers. say what you will about Wilder, but the guy brings it.