Anthony Joshua has said he wants to fight Tyson Fury while the British rivals are “fresh” but “can’t wait until I’m 50” for a bout with his most high-profile heavyweight adversary.
Former champion Joshua faced off with compatriot and IBF titlist Daniel Dubois on Wednesday in the first round of promotion for their bout at Wembley Stadium on September 21, when ‘AJ’ will inevitably field more questions about whether he will ever meet Fury regardless of the outcome.
“I’ve got to continue to fight,” Joshua told BBC Sport. “This is my 13th world title fight. I’ve signed to face Fury before. Now I’m going to go down different paths and fight good fighters elsewhere.”
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Fury vs Joshua
During a series of antagonistic exchanges lasting more than a decade, Joshua and Fury have repeatedly taunted each other in between appearing close to agreeing to a long-awaited showdown.
Fury last fought when he suffered a points loss to Oleksandr Usyk in May in the first defeat of his career.
Unbeaten Ukrainian Usyk vacated the IBF belt so that he can face Fury in a rematch on December 21.
Predictions… PIC.TWITTER.COM/ENDMW2GXA7
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) JUNE 26, 2024
Usyk: IBF belt ‘present’
“Anthony and Daniel, listen,” Usyk told Dubois and Joshua in an Instagram message shared by ‘Dynamite’ on Wednesday. “I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.”
Joshua was beaten twice by Usyk in less than a year in 2021 and 2022, initially losing the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles before another points defeat in his attempt to regain the belts.
The 34-year-old is arguably past his peak and knows the appeal of a fight against 35-year-old Fury could dwindle.
“I want to put him to sleep!” 🚫
Daniel Dubois confident ahead of Anthony Joshua showdown 🥊 PIC.TWITTER.COM/CCL1WAFIFG
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) JUNE 27, 2024
Joshua ‘would love’ Fury fight
“It’s a fight that’s been brewing for a long time,” said Joshua. “I can’t wait until I’m 50 to fight Fury because I will have had so many wars.
“I’m ready. I would love to fight Fury but I’m not waiting around much longer. Let’s just get the fight on while we’re fresh. How many wars do I have to fight before I get to Fury? Let’s go.”
Dubois suffered a ninth-round knockout defeat to Usyk in 2023 in the second loss of his 21-fight career, which has included 20 wins by stoppage.
