Here’s a brilliant bit of boxing trivia from the weekend: Mariusz Wach actually took home more money than Tyson Fury for their heavyweight clash in Thailand.
It turns out Fury gave away his entire fight purse to the Father Ray Foundation, a Thai charity that looks after orphans, children living with disabilities, and underprivileged youngsters. That generous move meant Wach, who pocketed a reported $750,000 for the bout, walked away the better-paid man on the night.
It’s not every day a two-time world heavyweight champion earns precisely nothing for stepping into the ring, but Fury clearly had other priorities beyond his bank balance.
The fight itself was a wonderfully low-key affair, taking place at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in front of just 1,500 spectators.
Anthony Joshua earned a huge amount from his fight whereas Tyson Fury donated his match fee to charity
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REUTERS/X/@boxingkingmedia
There were no television cameras rolling and no radio commentary — instead, the whole thing is set to feature in the third series of ‘At Home With The Furys’ on Netflix.
Despite the modest setting, Fury made short work of the Polish heavyweight. He controlled proceedings throughout, dominating across seven rounds before Wach called it quits on his stool.
It was a world away from the blockbuster spectacle that awaits when Fury and Joshua finally collide later this year.
Joshua’s outing in Saudi Arabia was far more dramatic. Fighting at the Jeddah Superdome for the first time since losing two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria last December, AJ hit the canvas twice in a shocking opening round against Albanian opponent Kristian Prenga.
For a moment, it looked like another massive upset was brewing — memories of the Andy Ruiz Jr and Daniel Dubois defeats came flooding back.
But Joshua rallied brilliantly, stopping Prenga by TKO in the second round to keep his plans on track. He earned a whopping $18 million for the night’s work, while Prenga collected $1 million.
Kristian Prenga was well on top before Anthony Joshua knocked him out in the second round | REUTERS
With both men now through their warm-up bouts, the long-discussed Fury versus Joshua showdown is finally on course for November. Fans have been waiting since 2016 for this one, and it’s fallen apart more times than anyone cares to remember.
The good news? The path is at last clear for the pair to settle things in the ring.
And if the weekend’s purses are anything to go by, both fighters can expect a massive payday when they do meet. Whatever Fury and Joshua earned — or in Fury’s case, gave away — over the past few days will pale in comparison to what’s coming.
