London – After Tyson Fury issued a public challenge on Monday to fight for the WBC heavyweight boxing title in a “Battle of Britain” in December, Anthony Joshua stated that he would be prepared to accept the bout.
Joshua, 32, was defeated for the second time in a row by Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO champion of Ukraine, in a title rematch in Saudi Arabia last month. Joshua has stated that he hopes to return to the ring before the end of the year.
In April of last year, Fury announced that he was honouring a commitment to his wife by retiring, but he has since stated that he will fight again.
“I believe you have all heard that I will be fighting within the next few months,” Fury stated in a social media video geared at the former champion.
“Anthony Joshua, I am aware that you just lost to Usyk and are currently unmatched, and I would like to offer you a chance to fight me for the WBC heavyweight world championship and the lineal belt in the coming months.
“You just finished a 12-round bout, so you’re match-fit and prepared. I am giving you a couple months’ notice,” the 34-year-old explained.
Usyk stated after the Jeddah match that he was only interested in fighting Fury, but media reports indicate that he would not fight again this year in order to recover and spend time with his family.
In the video, Fury tells Joshua, “If you’re interested, I’ll email you the date and we’ll fight,” if he is interested.
Yea calm. I don’t participate in online discussions for influence, so if you’re serious, tweet @258mgt. I will be prepared by December. Khalas https://t.co/kKCWdrlmol
— Anthony Joshua (5 September 2022) (@anthonyjoshua)
“A British battle for the WBC world heavyweight belt. If you are not interested, I will choose a different opponent.”
Joshua stated that he would be willing to fight Fury if he kept his word.
Joshua commented on his Instagram story, “I don’t engage in internet arguments solely for influence.” “Therefore, if you’re serious, tweet @258mgt (Joshua’s management business). I will be prepared by December.” (Reports by Alan Baldwin and Rohith Nair; editing by Ken Ferris)