Tyson Fury, the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King,’ is renowned for taking on some of the most formidable fighters in the heavyweight division. Having bested the likes of long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko and current undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, Fury has never been one to back down from a challenge. He also famously engaged in a brutal trilogy with Deontay Wilder, one of the hardest hitters in boxing history.

However, there is one contender Fury has openly stated he will never face: his long-time friend and training partner, Joseph Parker. When asked last year if he would consider a bout with Parker, Fury, then the WBC heavyweight champion, was unequivocal.

“Definitely not. No. I’d rather give him the belt than fight him for it. We’re too close for that fight and there’s plenty of heavyweights out there. He doesn’t need to fight me, I don’t want to get beat up, sorry!” Fury said.

Fury’s reluctance stems from the close bond he shares with Parker. The two have trained together extensively and built a strong friendship over the years. This camaraderie makes the prospect of stepping into the ring against each other unappealing for Fury. Yet, the path of professional boxing might force a confrontation.

If Fury triumphs over Usyk in their rematch for the WBA ‘super’, WBO, and WBC titles on December 21, the situation could become complicated. Parker, who secured the WBO ‘interim’ title by defeating Zhilei Zhang in March, could be next in line to challenge the winner due to the sanctioning body’s rotation system.

The winner of the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois showdown for the IBF strap on September 21 is expected to be in contention for a title shot against either Usyk or Fury. However, the WBO might mandate Parker to face the unified heavyweight champion, potentially throwing a wrench into the plans.

While Fury is against fighting Parker, the New Zealander has a slightly different view. Earlier this year, Parker expressed his willingness to fight Fury if it was necessary for his career and family’s future.

“If it ever came down to it and Tyson was No. 1 and I was No. 2, and there was no one else to fight, and it could help me and my family and secure us for the rest of our lives, I think Tyson and I could do something together,” Parker said.

He added, “But I have the utmost respect for the guy and what he has done for my career, and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today. But if it has to come down to it I think we can put everything aside and do it before we sit down after the fight and say, ‘Hey man, you caught me with that good shot,’ and that sort of thing if you know what I mean.”

Tyson Fury’s declaration not to fight Joseph Parker highlights the intricate balance between professional ambition and personal loyalty in the world of boxing. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the paths of these two close friends will inevitably cross in the ring.