“Give Me the Money!” – Tyson Fury Officially Calls Out Anthony Joshua for a Dramatic IBA Pro Fight?

In a moment that stunned the boxing world, Tyson Fury — the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King” — confirmed his interest in fighting long-time rival Anthony Joshua under the banner of the IBA Pro Heavyweight Championship. Speaking during the IBA’s lavish Golden Era launch event, Fury playfully yet pointedly declared: “Show me the money, Umar. I’m young, free, single, and ready to mingle.”

The revelation came during an extravagant event organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), as the governing body laid out its bold new vision for the sport. With IBA President Umar Kremlev, boxing superstar Terence Crawford, and a cast of champions present, the stage was set for a series of declarations that could reshape professional and amateur boxing alike.

The IBA Pro Heavyweight Title: A New Prize in the Heavyweight Chessboard

The proposed clash between Fury and Joshua would crown the inaugural IBA Pro Heavyweight Champion, introducing a fresh belt into an already fragmented heavyweight landscape. Unlike the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO belts, the IBA Pro title is positioned as part of a wider ecosystem that unifies amateur, professional, and even bareknuckle boxing under one umbrella.

Fury, who has flirted with retirement numerous times but rarely stayed away for long, made it clear: a lucrative offer could bring him roaring back to the ring.

Derek Chisora Plays Matchmaker

In one of the night’s lighter moments, British veteran Derek Chisora — who has shared the ring with both Fury and Joshua — took on the role of matchmaker, directly asking Fury if he would fight Joshua for the new belt. Fury didn’t hesitate, responding with enthusiasm, yet also pragmatism: “Show me the money.”

It’s a classic Fury move — simultaneously embracing the challenge while reminding all involved that professional boxing is, above all else, a business.

Umar Kremlev’s “Golden Era” Vision for Boxing

While the potential Fury-Joshua showdown dominated headlines, the broader context of the event cannot be overlooked. IBA President Umar Kremlev used the occasion to unveil his ambitious roadmap for boxing’s next decade — what he calls the Golden Era of the IBA.

“Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows that the IBA is their boxing home,” Kremlev announced. “Whether you are an amateur, professional, or bareknuckle fighter, we will support you.”

Kremlev spoke passionately about creating opportunities for young athletes, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, stating that investment in grassroots boxing is a top priority. “We’re building an ecosystem where kids can have a future through boxing.”

IBA Pro: A New Model for Professional Boxing

Kremlev’s IBA isn’t content with merely regulating amateur competitions. The organization is diving headfirst into the professional ranks with IBA Pro, a new platform for elite-level fighters.

Al Siesta, Director of IBA Pro, compared the system to a prestigious football academy: “This is like Real Madrid — you go through the amateur ranks, earn your stripes, and then, if you want to go professional, we will take care of you.”

Siesta emphasized that IBA Pro’s ranking system will be based on ability, not politics or pay-per-view sales. “If you can fight, then IBA Pro is the place for you.”

Reviving Bareknuckle Boxing?

In one of the evening’s most unexpected announcements, Kremlev revealed that the IBA also intends to regulate bareknuckle boxing, citing its historical roots in the sport. “This is where it began,” he explained, noting that the IBA wants to provide opportunities and safety measures for fighters who choose that brutal path.

This development aligns with a global surge in bareknuckle’s popularity, but also raises questions about whether the sport can be safely integrated into the modern boxing landscape.

Terence Crawford and the Spirit of Champions

The event wasn’t just about future plans. Four-division world champion Terence Crawford, preparing for his September megafight with Canelo Alvarez, praised the IBA for its efforts to support fighters financially and logistically.

“There are so many talented kids out there who can’t afford equipment or travel to tournaments,” Crawford said. “The IBA is giving them a fighting chance.”

Despite the glitzy setting, Crawford made clear he hadn’t let training slip: “I just finished a run before coming here. I feel great. On September 13, I’ll become a three-weight undisputed champion.”

Fury Praises the Vision, Stokes the Rivalry

Fury used his platform to praise the IBA’s grassroots efforts, recalling his own struggles during his amateur days when there was little financial support.

“Back when I was coming up, I didn’t get paid anything. Now, these kids are getting supported properly. Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev,” Fury said.

But he couldn’t resist turning the conversation back toward business. “We fight for the biggest purse. If the offer’s right, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.”

Asked directly about Joshua, Fury smiled: “He’s a good fighter, and a fight like that gets the people talking. But it’s simple. Show me the money.”

Anthony Joshua: Will He Accept the Challenge?

Joshua, currently riding a career resurgence, has yet to respond publicly to Fury’s challenge. The two British titans have been circling each other for nearly a decade but have never finalized terms, derailed repeatedly by boxing politics, promotional rifts, and timing.

Joshua, who recently scored a dominant win over Zhilei Zhang, has expressed interest in another major fight before retirement. A clash for the IBA Pro title — especially as the first of its kind — would be a unique legacy marker for both men.

Will the IBA Pro Title Gain Recognition?

The elephant in the room remains whether the IBA Pro title will earn mainstream legitimacy alongside the established world championship belts. Skeptics argue that yet another belt risks further fragmenting the sport. But supporters point to the IBA’s global infrastructure, investment in grassroots programs, and willingness to support fighters financially as reasons to give it a chance.

If Fury vs. Joshua headlines the IBA Pro’s launch, it would be an undeniable power play.

The Golden Era: Vision or Vanity?

The IBA’s “Golden Era” promises a fully integrated system from youth boxing to professional stardom. Kremlev and his team believe that by creating financial pathways for fighters from childhood to championship glory, they can re-establish boxing as a global sport for all.

But questions remain:

• Can the IBA avoid the political infighting that has plagued other boxing bodies?

• Will top-tier fighters commit to the IBA Pro ranks, or will they stick with the more lucrative WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles?

• Can bareknuckle boxing truly coexist within a mainstream framework?

Conclusion: Is the Stage Finally Set for Fury vs. Joshua?

For all the talk of ecosystems and grassroots support, it was Tyson Fury’s playful but serious challenge to Anthony Joshua that stole the headlines. After years of missed opportunities, this could finally be the moment where Britain’s two heavyweight icons settle the score — under a new banner, with a new title on the line.

As Fury said with a grin: “Show me the money.”