Tyson Fury laid down the challenge to Anthony Joshua after securing a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night. The self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ won 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109 on the judges’ scorecards, ending a 16-month hiatus from the ring.
Fury wasted no time in calling out Joshua, who watched from ringside. “I want you, AJ. Let’s give the fight fans what they want. The battle of Britain,” Fury said. “Do not run from me this time. 10 years in the making. Let’s f*****g dance.” He later added: “I just took out the number five contender in the world with ease.”
Joshua, however, expressed frustration with the prolonged saga. “Tyson, you are a clout-chaser,” he replied. “I’ve been chasing you the last 10 years, when you’re ready you come and see me. I’m the boss, you work for me.” In a subsequent interview, he indicated the fight is likely but stopped short of a full commitment. “I’ll be completely honest, there’s a negotiation you go through... you’ll probably see us in the ring more than likely.”
Joshua also raised uncertainties about a warm-up bout, referencing a serious car accident in Nigeria that killed two close friends and left him with minor injuries. “There could be a warm-up fight. I was just in a serious incident, so I need to check out what’s going on with my return to the ring,” he said. “This is boring to me. I like his fighting style, but I don’t think he will be able to cope with me.”
