Tyson Fury, the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World, was recently the topic of speculations regarding a possible exhibition boxing match against strongman-turned-boxer and actor Hafthor Bjornsson. And now, the Briton himself has confirmed the rumors, stating that the fight is in the works for a date in November in London.
Tyson Fury vs Hafthor Bjornsson: Exhibition bout seeking venue in London
In the wake of marking his second WBC title defense against Dillian Whyte back in April, Tyson Fury hinted that retirement was nearing, but still holds the green and gold belt without any indication of vacating it anytime soon.
On the other hand, Icelandic professional strongman and actor Hafthor Bjornsson aka Thor, famed for his portrayal of “The Mountain” in Game of Thrones, made his boxing debut back in 2020 and so far, has an undefeated 2-0-2 record, having defeated fellow strongman Eddie Hall and Arm Wrestling superstar Devon Larratt in his last two outings.
There have been calls from boxing fans to pit the two giants together in the squared circle, and with both being just an inch short of 7 seet, Fury vs Thor will not only be huge regarding the two’s physique, but also the massive attention it will draw from the combat sports fandom.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, both Fury and Thor thumbed up to the fight, with “The Gypsy King” confirming that the negotiations are targeting a date in November and a venue in the English capital for the bout.
“It would be a bit of fun,” said Fury, “It would be great to get in there in front of, say, 70,000 fans and show him what boxing is all about, make him miss, and knock him out. We are talking to his team at the moment and it is definitely something I’m interested in.”
“I know that there are some negotiations going on and some talks, but nothing is complete. If it did happen, I would gladly step into the ring and I would gladly fight him,” Bjornsson stated, “I’ve said since day one. When people have asked me, ‘Would you fight Tyson Fury?’, I’ve always said yes. It would be a huge honor for me to fight the best heavyweight boxer in the world and it would be an amazing experience for myself.”
“Would I get beat? Probably, but I would not give a f—. I would do my best and who f——- knows? I’m f——- strong and my punches hurt so if it happens he can’t take it easy because I’m a warrior, I’m a Viking, and I’m going all in if it happens. Nothing is impossible if you have that mindset at least,” the Icelander added.
While an exhibition bout is potentially underway this year, there has been rumors that Fury might return to professional boxing by taking on the winner of the Joshua vs Usyk rematch next month, but the 33-year-old denied that thought.
“I’m not overly concerned with Anthony Joshua and Usyk in Saudi Arabia next month, whoever wins, because I’ve achieved everything I wanted to as a professional boxer, undefeated and having won all the belts. There are so many other things I can go on and do,” added Fury.
