WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has confirmed reports that he’s in talks to return to the ring in an exhibition bout against Game of Thrones star Hafthor “Thor” Bjornsson at a London stadium in November.
Back in April, Fury retained his title with a knockout of Dillian Whyte in six rounds, before a crowd of 94,000 at Wembley Stadium in London.
Afterwards, Fury vowed to retire from the sport, but he’s still the WBC champion and has no intention of vacating his title.
Bjornsson saw ring action in March, when he dropped and decisioned strongman rival Eddie Hall.
Fury likes the idea of facing Bjornsson before a big stadium crowd.
“It would be a bit of fun. 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,” Fury told Telegraph Sport.
Bjornsson also confirmed that his handlers were in talks were Fury’s team.
“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 said.
“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.”
Fury denied circulating reports that he’s going to target the winner of next month’s rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua, who will battle for the IBO, IBF, WBA, WBO heavyweight titles.
“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,” Fury said.