Fury questions Joshua’s resolve ahead of potential clash
Tyson Fury has launched a savage new attack on Anthony Joshua, branding his long-time rival a “bottlejob” and a “chinless wonder” while insisting he is still not convinced their blockbuster showdown will actually happen, reports BritPanorama.
British boxing’s two biggest heavyweight names remain on course to finally settle their rivalry later this year, but both men must first come through separate assignments this weekend before a proposed November clash can become reality.
Fury is scheduled to face veteran Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach in Pattaya on Friday, while Joshua returns to action against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah the following evening. Victories for both fighters are expected to pave the way for the richest all-British fight in boxing history.
Yet despite an agreement reportedly being in place, Fury has admitted he will only believe the contest is happening once Joshua is standing across the ring from him. Speaking to IFL TV, the former heavyweight world champion stated, “Until that fight happens, walk into the ring… I’m not convinced it does.”
Fury then focused on the promotional aspect of the fight, suggesting that Joshua would struggle with the verbal exchanges inherent to such a high-stakes event. “100 per cent,” he replied when asked whether he still had doubts the contest would take place.
Despite the bravado, Fury’s recent comments reveal a deeper contention regarding Joshua’s readiness to confront him. He recounted a previous opportunity to engage with Joshua, during a meeting arranged by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, where he felt Joshua’s reluctance to engage showed that the latter remains uncomfortable with direct confrontation. “He s**t himself and sat on the stool outside and did not even want to get up and build the fight, like make the fight happen,” Fury said.
Looking ahead, if both heavyweights avoid upset defeats this weekend, attention is expected to quickly shift towards November, when Fury and Joshua could finally meet after years of failed negotiations. “I think he is a bottlejob. A flapper. A chinless wonder as well,” Fury added, raising further questions over Joshua’s capacity to handle the pressure of such a monumental domestic showdown. This ongoing saga continues to capture the imaginations of boxing fans, leaving many waiting for the day when the two men finally face off in the ring.
For now, the anticipation remains palpable, reminding everyone that in boxing, the weight of words can sometimes feel heavier than the punches.
