Anthony Joshua has issued a direct challenge to long-time rival Tyson Fury, urging him to take inspiration from Jake Paul and finally agree to a blockbuster summer showdown.
The Call-Out and the Paul Blueprint
The former heavyweight world champion made his feelings clear ahead of his own lucrative clash with YouTube star Jake Paul in Miami. Joshua and Paul will meet in the ring on December 19, having struck a staggering £140 million deal negotiated over the phone. Now, Joshua wants Fury to exhibit the same decisiveness.
"I've spoken to Tyson before and I actually signed to fight him," Joshua revealed. "It was around the time I put my belts up to fight Oleksandr Usyk, but I was supposed to fight Fury and then he had his issues with Wilder, so they fought a third time. So I've been in a position to fight Fury a number of times."
A Decade-Long Rivalry Nearing Its Climax?
The British heavyweights are expected to finally settle their decade-long feud next year, with a potential London clash in September 2026 on the cards. Plans are in motion for both men to have separate warm-up fights early in 2026 before the monumental event.
However, the path has been far from smooth. A fight was agreed in 2021 before Fury was ordered to complete his trilogy with American powerhouse Deontay Wilder, scuppering the all-British bout. Joshua, who returns to action after a 15-month absence, has now placed the ball firmly in his fellow countryman's court.
Joshua's Message: "It Takes Two to Tango"
Drawing a parallel with his upcoming fight, Joshua emphasised that making mega-fights is possible. "Of course there's hope, especially when you're talking about doing big-time boxing, and Jake's showcasing it can be done and I'm showcasing it can be done," he stated.
"We've been in mega-fights time and time again; this isn't our first rodeo. I just feel like it takes two to tango and I'm on the dance floor. I'm just looking for a dance partner."
Legacy and the Lucrative Paul Payday
Joshua, who stands to earn a reported £70 million from his bout with Paul, once again dismissed suggestions that facing the social media star damages his sporting legacy. He views the immense public interest as a positive, regardless of the source.
"The more people talking about the fight, regardless of what it is that they're talking about, is a massive bonus," he added. "I'm not worried about what people think about the integrity side, as long as people are talking."
Fans can watch the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight live on Netflix. The streaming service is currently available for free to new customers through Sky's £15 Essential TV bundle, marking the brand's 'lowest ever price' for Sky TV.
