THE undisputed title decider between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has divided opinions across the UK and the world.
Britain’s two heavyweight rulers have verbally agreed to a double header of fights next year.
Even though they both have further mandatory defences lined up, the pair are desperate to unify the division once and for all.
And the split verdicts on who will emerge with all four of the world titles has only added to the pre-fight debate
Here SunSport runs down some of the most heavyweight of predictions as stars choose their winner.
MIKE TYSON
Iron Mike has backed his namesake – who also claimed he accepted an offer to fight the 54-year-old ahead of his own comeback.
Tyson said: “He is the best heavyweight champion of the world since myself. He is the man, I don’t care what anybody says.”
The Baddest Man on the Planet also left AJ off his list of his top five current boxers.
Prediction: Fury
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Mayweather was credited for bringing the money to the smaller division – and it appears he still has little affection for the heavyweights.
He said: “We talking about Anthony Joshua, hell of a fighter. Tyson Fury, hell of a fighter.
“It doesn’t matter who wins, if I’m not getting paid that’s none of my business.”
Prediction: Couldn’t care less
GEORGE FOREMAN
The former two-time world heavyweight champion sees no way in which AJ can prevail.
He said: “That boy Tyson Fury, you’re going to have to bring everything you’ve got to beat him.
“I’m going to be honest with you – I just can’t see Joshua beating him.”
Prediction: Fury
ROY JONES JR
The American four-division great – who amazingly won the heavyweight belt in 2003 – sat on the fence but did appear to suggest Fury is favourite.
Jones said: “I’m not saying Fury is as good as Ali skill-wise but he has a mind like Ali. With a mind like that, he can be anybody.
“I think it was at a local show I saw him at and I said to him: ‘If you just give yourself to boxing for five years, you’ll be amazed and you’ll beat all these guys.’
“I love him to death. I’m so happy for him and proud of him that he was able to do it.
“I see him as the No1 and I think him against Joshua is a good fight.”
Prediction: Fury… just about.
TONY BELLEW
Only one winner for the Bomber.
He said: “The top three heavyweights today, if you’re going on what they’re actually doing, you can’t really knock Tyson Fury for what he’s doing since he’s come back. I understand why people have him No1.
“I have to put Fury No 1, but I still think AJ beats him. Styles make fights, and I think AJ’s style is all wrong for Fury.”
Prediction: Joshua
BERNARD HOPKINS
Following lessons learned from AJ’s loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, Hopkins has not only backed him to win – but to knock out Fury and “make a serious statement”.
He said: “He redeemed himself. Now that is in his memory – what not to do ever again – Joshua beats Fury by knockout late.
“It will be an interesting, exciting five or six rounds at the beginning. Then Joshua’s athleticism, boxing IQ and experience would overwhelm Fury.
“Joshua would come out of a dust-storm based on his experience.
“At this point he has to make a really serious statement based on [the Ruiz defeat]. Redemption.”
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Klitschko, who lost to both men, spoke earlier this year about his prediction.
He said: “Joshua is a superior athlete, great fighter, Olympic champion.
“Most importantly, he’s a great guy, who carries the torch of this image of a heavyweight champion perfectly. I’m proud to call him as a friend, even though we were [rivals].
“And I think and I wish that eventually Joshua is going to unify all of the belts. That’s the eventual plan.”
Prediction: Joshua
TEDDY ATALS
The legendary trainer admits it’s too early to make a sure-fire prediction but tipped Fury to win at this point in time.
He said: “If you do the easy pick for 90 per cent of the people you ask, you’d probably pick Fury.
“If a gun was put to my head, right now, I’d go the easy way. I’d go with Fury. But you know what? I would wait a bit of this.
“I could see an argument for both scenarios.”
Prediction: Fury… for now
