Fury fuels injury concerns ahead Joshua fight

Tyson Fury has reignited injury concerns as he prepares for his upcoming December 11 fight against Anthony Joshua. The 38-year-old heavyweight, currently training in Miami, posted a video on social media on Friday showing a black eye on his left cheek. Fury wished his friend and sparring partner Kevin Lerena luck with his fight against Scotland’s Scott Forrest that night. In the clip, Fury said, "Tyson Fury, the 'Gypsy King,' is behind the 'Lerena Army.'"

The video surfaced just a day after former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno reportedly heard whispers that Fury was carrying an injury that could impact the fight. Brunow said, "I looked at him the other day, and I think someone was talking to me in the gym that he’s got some injury, which may stop him from going into the fight with Anthony Joshua?"

However, Tony Bellew, a former cruiserweight champion, dismissed the talk as part of Fury's usual routine, stating, "He plays up to the camera, Frank... I do think Tyson Fury is the master of the mind games."

Fury made his return from retirement this year with a points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London in April, followed by a stoppage victory over Mariusz Wach in July. His father, John Fury, has already expressed worries about the fight, saying in a BBC Sport series, "I hope it never happens. They will get that much stick; the loser, they will not be able to cope with it."

Eddie Hearn, Fury's promoter, disagreed, calling it "one of the biggest sporting events, if not the biggest, sporting event Britain has ever seen." The documentary about the build-up to the bout will be available on BBC iPlayer from November 10.