Anthony Joshua has sent a silent but powerful message to his long-time rival Tyson Fury, following a dramatic refusal to engage in a ringside face-off this past weekend. The British heavyweight star watched from the front row as Fury secured a unanimous points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Joshua's Cryptic Training Video
In the aftermath of the fight, Joshua returned to training and posted a video of himself working on a bike machine. The footage carried a significant visual cue: a poster of boxing legend Mike Tyson was visible on the wall behind him, featuring the quote "I fear no one". This was widely interpreted as a direct message aimed at Fury, who had publicly called Joshua into the ring after his win.
Fury's Ringside Challenge
After claiming victory with scorecards of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109, Fury grabbed the microphone and beckoned Joshua, declaring "let's give the fans what they want – the battle of Britain". Joshua initially stared in silence before delivering a pointed response. "Tyson, you are a clout chaser. I've never had a problem getting in the ring with you. I punched you when we were kids. After watching you tonight, I'd do it again," Joshua stated firmly.
Joshua's Defiant Retort
He continued with a clear assertion of his position in the sport. "I'll see you in that ring in due time. You won't tell me what to do. When you're ready, you tell me your conditions and I'll tell you when I'm ready. I'm the landlord, remember that, you work for me," Joshua added, emphasising his control over the potential matchup.
Timing and Contract Talks
Echoing Fury's earlier comments about making the fight happen quickly to avoid unforeseen obstacles, Joshua suggested it is likely to be the next appearance for both fighters. "I'm not here for clout, I'm here to fight. Contracts will be sent over, but you'll probably see us in the ring next, more than likely," he confirmed.
Joshua also addressed his recent absence from the ring, referencing a fatal car accident in Nigeria in December that killed two of his close friends. "I was in a serious incident. There's real stuff happening in my life. I'm not ducking anyone. Once I'm 100 per cent, I'll fight," he explained, asserting his commitment to returning at full strength.
Confidence and Legacy
Despite both fighters being past their prime, there remains significant public appetite for a clash between the two best British heavyweights of their generation. Joshua expressed unwavering confidence in his abilities. "I run the game, you know I run the game. I'm a serious fighter. I'm very strong. When I hit Fury, I'm going to hurt him," he declared.
Fury responded in kind, issuing a bold prediction. "You are next. You are getting knocked out. Believe it," he said to Joshua. "Let's give the fight fans what they want. Do not run from me this time. Ten years in the making. Let's dance." He also dedicated his victory to his late friend Ricky Hatton and thanked his faith for the win.
The stage is now set for what could be one of the most anticipated British boxing matches in recent history, with both fighters exchanging verbal blows and positioning themselves for a potential showdown that has been a decade in the making.
