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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 12: Boxer Tyson Fury (L) and Top Rank Founder and CEO Bob Arum attend a news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on June 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fury will face Tom Schwarz in a heavyweight bout on June 15 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 12: Boxer Tyson Fury (L) and Top Rank Founder and CEO Bob Arum attend a news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on June 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fury will face Tom Schwarz in a heavyweight bout on June 15 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Tyson Fury has made a bold statement about his fellow heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua. The undefeated heavyweight champion gave an insight into his intentions for the fight and claimed ‘AJ’ would no longer be a professional boxer after their bout.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Tyson Fury of England reacts during a press conference ahead of his heavyweight match against Tom Schwarz at BT Sport Studios on May 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
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Fury and Joshua can’t seem to escape the headlines in recent months. All the talk in the heavyweight division has been around their undisputed title fight. And despite rumors suggesting it is close, ‘The Gypsy King’ has revealed his pessimism about it happening.
In a conversation with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Fury explained why he thinks the fight won’t happen. He said, “I don’t think Anthony Joshua wants the fight, anyway. Because he knows he’s going to lose, and he likes the fact that he’s a professional boxer. And after I get finished with him, he won’t be anymore. So that’s one of the reasons I’m not optimistic about it.”
“I’m a realist, I think if there was going to be a [Joshua] offer there’d be one today, next week or the week after… I’m not optimistic about it.” @Tyson_Fury isn’t sold on Anthony Joshua being his next opponent. (via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/op4FOVDP3P
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) February 25, 2021
These comments from Fury showed how confident he is if the fight does become official and receive a date. However, it also revealed his frustration with the delay in negotiations. This is a feeling that boxing fans all over share with ‘The Gypsy King’.
READ: Why is Tyson Fury Called ‘The Gypsy King’?
Tyson Fury may have surprised fans with his comments
The ‘Gypsy King’ may have raised a few eyebrows with his comment. Although it is classic Tyson Fury trash-talk, the intention behind the comment is unknown. However, given what Fury has said about Joshua in the past, it does come as a surprise.
Fury credited Joshua for how he handled his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr and said he was impressed with the way Joshua carried himself after the loss. So, it is surprising if he now thinks ‘AJ’ will retire if he loses.
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Anthony Joshua looks towards referee Mike Griffin after being knocked down for the second time in the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World Championships title fight against against Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden, New York. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
However, it could be a dig at the Londoner’s recent comments about a potential early retirement. Maybe the heavyweight champion took the chance to reference that. Despite Fury’s comments, and regardless of the result, we can’t see Joshua calling it quits after this year.
What do you make of Tyson Fury’s comments about Joshua? Do you think he means it, or it’s just a case of trash-talking?
READ: Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Training Comparison: Who Has the Better Technique?
