Nigeria: Tyson Fury joins drug-testing programme ahead of Anthony Joshua fight
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Tyson Fury has reportedly enrolled in a voluntary drug-testing programme ahead of his highly anticipated heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua.
Joshua is expected to travel to London for a face-off with Fury as preparations continue for their blockbuster bout, which is scheduled for December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The fight between the two British heavyweight stars has been discussed for years, with previous negotiations repeatedly failing to produce a meeting between the pair. Their upcoming contest is therefore attracting significant attention from boxing fans around the world.
However, uncertainty had surrounded the build-up to the fight because of concerns over Fury’s participation in voluntary anti-doping testing.
Joshua had reportedly been prepared to boycott the scheduled launch press conference unless Fury registered with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, commonly known as VADA.
Fury’s decision to enrol in the testing programme has now removed a major obstacle ahead of the promotional events for the fight.
A press conference has been scheduled to take place in London, where the two former world champions are expected to come face-to-face before beginning the next phase of their preparations.
The rivalry between Joshua and Fury has generated considerable interest since both fighters established themselves among the leading names in the heavyweight division.
Joshua, a former unified world heavyweight champion, has built a reputation through major victories and high-profile bouts throughout his professional career. Fury, also a former world champion, became one of the division’s most recognisable figures after his long rivalry with Deontay Wilder.
Their meeting on December 11 is expected to be one of the biggest boxing events of the year, with the Principality Stadium in Cardiff providing the venue.
The decision by Fury to join VADA testing comes at an important stage of the promotion, with both fighters expected to face increasing scrutiny as fight night approaches.
Voluntary drug-testing programmes are designed to provide additional anti-doping oversight outside the standard testing arrangements associated with professional boxing. Fury’s enrolment means he will be subject to the programme’s testing procedures ahead of the bout.
With the testing issue apparently addressed, attention can now turn towards the promotional campaign and the fighters’ preparations for their long-awaited showdown.
Joshua and Fury are expected to discuss the fight publicly during the upcoming press conference, while fans will be looking for their first major face-to-face confrontation ahead of December’s contest.
The December 11 bout at Principality Stadium could mark a defining chapter in the careers of two of Britain’s most prominent heavyweight boxers.
