Malignaggi Backs Fury to Stop Joshua in December Heavyweight Clash

Posted : 29 October 2026

Paulie Malignaggi believes Tyson Fury has the tools to stop Anthony Joshua when the British heavyweights meet in Cardiff on December 11.

The former world champion raised concerns about Joshua’s ability to absorb punches after watching his recent victory over Kristian Prenga. Joshua was knocked down twice before recovering to stop the Albanian heavyweight.

Fury, meanwhile, secured a stoppage victory over Mariusz Wach in July. Malignaggi believes the contrast between the two performances could prove significant when they meet.

Speaking to Parimatch, Malignaggi said Joshua appeared to be getting hurt by opponents who should not trouble him at this stage of his career. He acknowledged that Fury is not the division’s biggest puncher but argued that the former WBC champion possesses enough power to exploit Joshua’s vulnerability.

Malignaggi also pointed to Fury’s movement and Joshua’s comparatively cumbersome footwork. Although Fury is no longer at his physical peak, the American believes he remains quick and fluid enough to create problems for his rival.

Malignaggi said he would favour Fury to win by stoppage based on what he saw in their latest fights.

The December 11 contest will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The long-awaited showdown will bring an end to a rivalry that has dominated British heavyweight boxing discussions for more than a decade.

The fight is also expected to feature the WBA ‘Super’ heavyweight title. Both men have the opportunity to become three-time world champions, adding further significance to their first professional meeting.

Fury enters the contest with a record of 36 wins, two defeats and one draw, including 25 knockouts. Joshua has recorded 30 victories and four defeats, with 27 knockouts.

The two former champions have experienced contrasting fortunes in recent years. Fury lost consecutive decisions to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, while Joshua has also suffered setbacks against elite opposition. Their December encounter offers both fighters an opportunity to strengthen their standing in the heavyweight division.

Malignaggi also discussed Daniel Dubois, whom he considers one of England’s leading heavyweight boxers. Dubois recently retained his WBO heavyweight title with a second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley in their rematch in London.

The American believes a rematch between Dubois and Filip Hrgovic would be an attractive contest. Hrgovic, who holds the IBF heavyweight title, has also expressed interest in facing Dubois again after their 2024 meeting.

Malignaggi Backs Fury to Stop Joshua in December Heavyweight Clash

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