Mike Tyson Picks a Side in Fury vs Joshua: 'I'm Always With Tyson'
Boxing News · October 9, 2026
Key takeaways
- Mike Tyson is backing Tyson Fury over Anthony Joshua largely because Fury was named after him.
- The fight will happen in the UK after Joshua and Eddie Hearn pushed back against a proposed Madison Square Garden venue, but British fans may face a late-night start time to suit US audiences.
- The winner becomes a three-time world heavyweight champion, raising the stakes beyond personal rivalry.
The Prediction Nobody Expected
Mike Tyson just weighed in on one of boxing's biggest looming showdowns — Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua — and his reasoning is pure Iron Mike. Asked who he's backing between the two British heavyweights, Tyson didn't break down tape, punch stats, or recent form. He kept it simple: "Tyson's named after me. I'm always with Tyson. It would be nice [if he beats Joshua]."
No scouting report. No deep analysis. Just loyalty to the name.
Why This Fight Is Finally Happening Where It Should
Behind the scenes, there was a real tug-of-war over where this fight would even take place. Reports initially suggested Netflix and promoters were eyeing Madison Square Garden in New York, betting that an American venue would juice US viewership numbers. But Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn pushed back, holding firm to their original agreement with Turki Alalshikh and Sela to keep the fight in the UK.
That said, don't expect a cozy prime-time UK slot. Given the push for American eyeballs, British fans should brace for an awkward middle-of-the-night start time — similar to the setup used for Joe Calzaghe vs Mikkel Kessler back in 2007.
The Case for Fury, On Paper
Style and momentum matter here too. Fury enters as a sizable betting favorite after wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach — not flashy performances, but efficient ones. Joshua, meanwhile, has looked shakier, including getting knocked down twice in his most recent outing in July. Fury's camp will point to that as evidence he's the safer bet, even if neither recent fight was must-see TV.
What's Actually on the Line
This isn't just bragging rights between two British legends. The winner is set to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, adding serious hardware to whichever man comes out on top. For a rivalry that's simmered for years, that stakes-raising detail turns this from a grudge match into a legacy-defining fight.
The Bottom Line
Mike Tyson's endorsement won't move Vegas odds, but it adds another layer of star power to a fight that's already generating buzz for its venue drama, broadcast scheduling, and championship implications. Whether Fury wins because of skill or just because of his name, the boxing world will be watching.
Why it matters
For boxing fans, this fight carries major championship implications and settles a long-simmering British heavyweight rivalry. Even a lighthearted celebrity endorsement from Mike Tyson adds fuel to the hype ahead of one of the year's biggest heavyweight clashes.
Want deals on what you love?
Val finds local offers matched to your interests — free to start.
Meet Val