Tyson Fury defeated Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, winning 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109 on the judges' scorecards. The victory marked Fury's return from a 16-month retirement.
After the fight, Fury called out Anthony Joshua, who was watching from ringside. “I want you, AJ. Anthony Joshua. Let's give the fight fans what they want. The battle of Britain,” Fury said. He added, “Do not run from me this time. 10 years in the making. Let's f*****g dance.”
Joshua responded dismissively, calling Fury a “clout-chaser” and reminding him of their childhood sparring. “I punched you up as kids, watching you tonight I'll punch you up again,” he said. However, Joshua stopped short of committing to the fight, citing a recent serious car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries. He also mentioned the possibility of a warm-up bout before facing Fury.
“I'll be completely honest,” Joshua said. “There's a negotiation you go through. I've sat at this table with him many times. … I saw what I saw and know what I've got to do when I get in the ring.” He added, “I like his fighting style. I think he is good, but I don't think he will be able to cope with me.”
Despite the war of words, no deal has been agreed for the long-awaited showdown, though reports suggest a lucrative super fight could take place in the autumn.
