08 November 2023 , 11:39
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Anthony Joshua refused to be drawn into a war of words with Tyson Fury as he admitted to respecting his heavyweight rival.
The former two-time heavyweight champion discussed his upbringing and boxing career with Louis Theroux in a new BBC documentary. Theroux quizzed Joshua about his bitter rival Tyson Fury and cited some of the barbs he aims at AJ, often labelling him a "dosser" and "bodybuilder".
Joshua said to the presenter: "Have you got one of those Tyson Fury dolls or something? No I’m joking, you must like him though because you can memorise every quote of his." Joshua then said of facing his rival: “It’s a challenge but one I’d be up for. I respect what he’s done. It’s good, gives me a bit more."
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Fury went the distance against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou last month as he avoided the first defeat of his professional with a controversial split decision win. Fury is expected to fight fellow heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk next and his promoter Frank Warren has dismissed rumours that the Brit could shockingly retire after his recent win.
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'AJ' would have the chance to become a three-time world champion in a fight against Fury, who currently holds the WBC belt. His world title wasn't on the line for his crossover clash against Ngannou as Fury hasn't defended the belt since stopping Derek Chisora in an unwanted trilogy fight last December.
Joshua's promoter Hearn is now more confident than ever that Fury would be beaten by his man in the highly-anticipated domestic clash. "We believe AJ beats Tyson Fury every day of the week. I don't think you're going to see [Fury] do too much now, I think he'll have a bit of time off and will look better in the Usyk fight," Hearn told Boxing Social.
"I think Fury was the favourite before [fighting Ngannou] but I think Usyk is the favourite now. I'm not sure Fury is the same fighter and I'm not sure his punch resistance is there, but Usyk isn't a big puncher. I think that's great news for Fury and I also wouldn't be surprised if he retired and didn't fight Usyk."