Tyson Fury may have a big role to play in denying a blockbuster heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder as the latter two prepare for their own respective fights in Saudi Arabia this evening.
Joshua and Wilder headline the Day of Reckoning card in Riyadh in one of the biggest boxing events in history.
The card is being touted as a warm-up to an eventual agreement between Joshua and Wilder to fight each other next year.
But while both boxers have stated how much they would like that to happen, it is all dependent on them winning their respective bouts in Riyadh.
Tyson Fury may have some influence on Anthony Joshua's next fight
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Joshua faces his toughest test of 2023 against Swedish giant Otto Wallin, who gave Fury a tough test in 2019.
Wilder will have to come through an equally difficult challenge against Joseph Parker, who has been working with Fury in the gym to prepare for today's fight.
Joseph has been smart in seeking out the very man who stopped Wilder's boxing career in its tracks after Fury defeated the American in their trilogy.
If Fury's advice to Parker works out and the New Zealander defeats Wilder then Joshua may have to wait for another blockbuster match-up.
Parker spoke this week about Fury's influence on him when the pair met recently.
"It was very important to fly to England and meet up with Tyson, a man who's beaten him twice," Parker said.
"He's the most knowledgeable about Wilder and what he represents.
"He's always been helpful with my career and taken time to give advice, so it's been very important we did that."
He added: "Obviously he's the champion of the world and he gave me the best workout I've ever gotten.
"I'm not 6ft 9 like Tyson and I don't have the longest reach, but the strengths I do have, I'm going to use to my advantage.
Tyson Fury has helped Joseph Parker in his training camp
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"He gave me great tips and we speak on a daily basis and he continues to give me more here and there. He tells us what he's thinking.
"Fury even issued some public advice to Parker last month when asked what the Kiwi heavyweight should try to avoid.
He said: "Don’t get hit in the face with one of them big KO right hands and you’ll be alright.
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"Avoid the right hand! That’s my tip for Parker. What more else can you say?
"Don’t get hit by the right hand and you’ll win the fight.
"Easy day, isn’t it? Sounds easy, anyway. I think Parker will do him."
