Steven Ormain Cunningham, the respected former world champion, has offered insights into the qualities Anthony Joshua needs to display if he’s to truly trouble Tyson Fury in a potential heavyweight clash. While Cunningham stops short of outlining a detailed strategy, he emphasizes that the outcome of an Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury contest hinges entirely on which version of Joshua steps into the ring.
Cunningham’s observations carry significant weight, not least because of his own history with Fury and a track record of accurately predicting “The Gypsy King’s” high-profile bouts. He remains unable to definitively pick a winner, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this long-awaited all-British showdown.
Steven Ormain Cunningham’s foresight in heavyweight contests
Steven Cunningham isn’t just another voice in the boxing world; he has a proven ability to foresee major heavyweight outcomes. Before Tyson Fury first faced Oleksandr Usyk, Cunningham publicly predicted the Ukrainian would win on points. That forecast proved accurate, with Usyk securing a points victory in May 2024.
Usyk then repeated the feat, defeating Fury again on points in their December 2024 rematch. In a recent interview, Cunningham was unequivocal when asked if Fury won either fight. “No, but he did much better the second fight,” he conceded, noting Fury’s improvement in the rematch.
“Usyk is such a superior boxing mind that I don’t think there was much Fury could’ve done to win, although he gave it a hell of a go. Both fights were amazing.” This assessment from Cunningham underscores Usyk’s tactical prowess and his own keen eye for strategic advantage.
Defining the Joshua capable of beating Fury
Despite his unique perspective, having both fought Fury and predicted his losses, Cunningham struggles to settle on a victor between Joshua and Fury. He admits to “jumping from Fury to win, then to Joshua,” illustrating the complexity of the matchup.
For Cunningham, the crucial element is “which Joshua shows up to fight.” He believes “A confident, in-top-shape Joshua bent on destruction but not reckless was dangerous.” This specific combination of attributes is what he sees as essential for Joshua to overcome Fury.
Joshua’s tactical approach against Fury
Cunningham also offered a direct warning about the tactical differences between the two heavyweights. “Fury and Joshua are not the same,” he stated firmly. “Anybody thinking that Joshua is big to, that’s the way he’s going to fight Fury. No, it’s not. It shouldn’t be.”
This implies a need for Anthony Joshua to adapt his strategy, rather than relying solely on brute force or a generic big-man approach. It suggests a fight where nuance and disciplined aggression will be paramount, moving beyond simplistic assumptions about heavyweight brawls.
Cunningham’s personal history with Tyson Fury
Steven Cunningham’s understanding of Tyson Fury is deeply rooted in personal experience. He famously shared the ring with “The Gypsy King” on April 20, 2013, at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. In that memorable bout, Cunningham dropped Fury with a powerful overhand right in the second round.
Fury ultimately recovered to secure a seventh-round technical knockout victory. However, that fight left a lasting impression on Fury, who later described Cunningham as his “toughest opponent in my whole career.” It was a pivotal moment for both fighters, providing Cunningham with unparalleled insight.
Analysing Fury’s “borderline legal” tactics
Beyond the knockdown, Cunningham has frequently voiced concerns about what he considers Fury’s “borderline legal” ring tactics. He has openly stated that Fury “cheated to beat me,” referencing the constant leaning on opponents and pinning them to deliver punches. These methods, Cunningham argues, are designed to drain an opponent’s energy.
He cited his own fight and the fierce Deontay Wilder trilogy as examples where these tactics were evident. Cunningham suggests that an uncompromising referee, one not intimidated and strict in enforcing the rules, could even lead to a disqualification for Fury. Despite these criticisms, Cunningham also acknowledges that Fury has “upped his game” significantly since their 2013 encounter, evolving as a fighter.
Heavyweight landscape: Recent performances and upcoming bouts
As of July 4, 2026, both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury remain central figures in the heavyweight division, each with recent highs and lows. Anthony Joshua holds a professional record of 29 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws, with 26 knockouts. His recent performances have been varied but impactful.
Joshua impressively defeated Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round at the Kaseya Center in Miami in December 2025. This followed a second-round knockout of Francis Ngannou in Riyadh in March 2024.
However, he also suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois for the IBF World Heavyweight championship at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Joshua’s next confirmed fight is against Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, available on DAZN PPV.
Key details
Tyson Fury’s record stands at 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 24 knockouts. His most recent outing was an April 11, 2026, unanimous decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Before that, Fury experienced two unanimous decision losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, losing The Ring, WBO, WBC, and WBA Super World Heavyweight championships. Fury has also shared details of his past sparring with Joshua, adding another layer to their rivalry.
A hypothetical “Tale of the Tape” between the two highlights Fury’s physical advantages, standing at 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) with an 85 in (216 cm) reach, compared to Joshua’s 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) and 208 cm reach.
Both fighters are seasoned veterans, with Joshua at 36 and Fury at 37 years old, each having accumulated extensive ring experience over their professional careers.
The enduring allure of a Fury vs. Joshua clash
Despite the lack of a definitive fight announcement, the anticipation for a Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua super-fight remains fervent. It continues to be arguably the most talked-about and desired matchup in modern British boxing history, consistently generating intense discussion among fans and pundits alike. The protracted nature of negotiations, and the shifting heavyweight landscape, only add to the intrigue.
Cunningham’s persistent inability to declare a clear winner for this potential clash underscores its inherent unpredictability. Fury’s renowned resilience and adaptive style, coupled with Joshua’s devastating power when channeled effectively, promise a captivating contest. It’s a fight where a singular moment of brilliance or a critical tactical error could swing the balance.
For Steven Cunningham, the mental game and disciplined aggression are just as crucial as physical prowess for Anthony Joshua. His focus on a “confident, in-top-shape Joshua bent on destruction but not reckless” suggests that mindset will be the ultimate differentiator. If Joshua can consistently achieve that precise state of readiness, Cunningham believes he has the attributes to hand Fury another defeat.
Boxing enthusiasts worldwide can only continue to speculate and eagerly await an official confirmation of this generational British heavyweight encounter. Cunningham’s astute insights, derived from his direct experience with Fury’s formidable power and tactical guile, offer a valuable lens through which to consider one of boxing’s most compelling potential showdowns.
