Anthony Joshua Rates Chances of Tyson Fury Fight Happening Next
Anthony Joshua has expressed strong confidence that a highly anticipated bout with Tyson Fury is "more than likely" to materialize next, following Fury's dramatic return to the ring and a direct call-out. The heavyweight star made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Netflix after witnessing Fury's comeback victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Fury's Comeback and Challenge
Tyson Fury ended his 16-month retirement by defeating Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov via unanimous decision. Immediately after the fight, Fury turned his attention to Joshua, who was seated ringside, issuing a bold challenge. "Next I want to give you the fight you've all been waiting for, I want you, Anthony Joshua, let's give the fight fans what they want," Fury declared. "I challenge you Anthony Joshua to fight me, the Gypsy King, next. Do you accept my challenge?"
Netflix quickly fueled speculation by posting on social media, hinting at a potential autumn event with the caption: "It's happening. Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. This autumn from the UK. LIVE only on Netflix."
Joshua's Fiery Response
Joshua, however, remained composed in his seat, delivering a pointed retort. "Tyson I never had no problem getting in the ring with you," he stated. "I punched you up when we were kids and after watching you tonight, I'll punch you up again. With all due respect, tonight is your night and you know I'll sit across that ring from you in due time."
He emphasized his dominance in the sport, asserting, "You ain't gonna tell me what to do, I've been chasing you for the last 10 years, when you're ready, you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions, and I'll have you in the ring when I'm ready, I'm the boss, I'm the landlord, remember that, you work for me."
Negotiations and Realistic Outlook
In his post-fight comments to Netflix, Joshua provided a more measured perspective on the potential matchup. "I'm going to be completely honest, there's a negotiation you go through, I've sat at this table with him many times," he explained. "In my heart, I'll fight Tyson Fury tomorrow, especially after watching that, there's no problem with me fighting, this is what I do, but I'm not going to sit here and say, 'I'm fighting', I'm not here to get clout."
He highlighted the procedural steps ahead, noting, "Contracts will be sent over, we'll go through the nitty gritty, and you'll probably see us in the ring next, more than likely." Joshua stressed his professionalism, adding, "I'm not here to start getting in the ring next and shouting in someone's face, look at my track record, I've never done that, I'm not here for clout, I wanted to watch the fight, I saw what I saw and I know what I've got to do when I get him in the ring."
Joshua's Confidence and Future Plans
Reflecting on his career longevity, Joshua pointed out, "He's the one that retired, I've been in the game and never retired, I've been standing strong for the last 13 years, it's on him isn't it, he disappears and comes back, I'm standing strong, I'm not here to chase fame or chase hype, I'm a real person, I'll fight whoever is in front of me, whether it's him or the next person, it doesn't matter to me, I'm always in big fights, that's just my style, that's why I said to him he works for me."
When asked about the possibility of a warm-up fight before facing Fury, Joshua remained open. "Good question, both options, that looks like it could be a warm-up fight after what I saw tonight but we'll see," he said. He also mentioned personal considerations, stating, "I was in a serious incident four months ago so I need to check out what's going on with my return to the ring. I'm here, I'm keeping my eye in the game, there's real stuff in my life, I'm not ducking anyone, I know what my job is, I know what I need to do, but there's real stuff happening in my life that I also need to attend to, and once I'm 100 per cent, I'll be ready."
Joshua exuded confidence in his abilities, asserting, "100 per cent, this is what I do, I run the game, everyone knows I run the game, I'm serious fighter, I'm very strong as well and I think when I hit Fury I'll hurt him bad." He concluded by emphasizing the importance of formal agreements, saying, "I've been here a million times, once my name and signature is on the dotted line then there's a fight, at the minute there's nothing on the dotted line, neither is his, if I'm honest with you there's no fight right now. I've been here three or four times now with Wilder and Fury, this is boring to me, I've been here loads of times. I like his fighting style, I think he's good but I don't think he will be able to cope with me."
