By Tim Parsons-
Tyson Fury says he is ready for a showdown with Anthony Joshua this summer, and has told the WBA and IBF champion not to sxxx himself.
Fury announced he is ready to return to the ring this April against an unnamed opponent, but said he is prepared to do battle with Joshua this summer.
Joshua told The Daily Mail that a fight with Fury was ”more of a fantasy at the moment. It’s just that he’s not fit and he hasn’t had a fight.
“The ball is in his court. We’ve stayed consistent, we’ve defended the titles we’ve won and we’ve captured more titles.
“If Fury was still fit, we would probably be talking about Fury for March. It’s not me… I’m definitely consistent and ready to fight anyone.”
Fury isn’t fazed by the fact he’s been out for two and a half years and says he wants the fight in the coming months, without even having a warm-up.
However, Fury, who is unbeaten in 25 fights attempted to ridicule Joshua’s comments by suggesting the world heavyweight champion was running scared. He said:
“Just seen Anthony Joshua trying to play my challenge down saying I’ve not had a fight and I’m not fit. (But) I’m ready for this summer (so) don’t s*** yourself now it’s been put on you,” said Fury.
“When you’re the lineal champion in your division, you’re number one even without alphabet titles, the truth. So whatever people want to say it will be ‘AJ’ challenging me for my status – the lineal heavyweight champion!
“Some fighters and promoters lose there self in all the hype, forget who they had to rob to get a belt!
“There will never be another Tyson fury, for many reasons,” he added.
Fury’s return to the ring has been welcomed by many boxing fans, and most wait to see what he has left in the tank. The awkward unorthodox who defeated Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 is expected to still be a force in the division if he is fit and in good condition. His comeback will draw plenty of attention, but boxing fans will be eager to see him in a genuine match up against the likes of Anthony Joshua. Joshua too can do with a big name like Fury on his record, but the Londoner who has not lost any time out of the ring has a psychological edge over Fury. He holds two belts and has been winning his fights in good style. Fury will need at least a couple of fights to return to his former form, which many believe may be enough to beat Anthony Joshua.
In the meantime, Anthony Joshua is preparing for a potential unification with Australian heavyweight,Joseph Parker in what will be a big fight for the Londoner. Parker’s team is currently in the UK to finalise talks for their big clash with Joshua. Joshua is expected to come through that fight, and Fury will around the same time be shaking off his rust against their yet to be named opponent. 2018 may be a big year for heavyweight boxing, especially with the growing interest in a fight between Fury and Joshua, which Fury will single handedly promote with his loud mouth.