Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have held a long and complicated rivalry, with careers often running parallel but yet to make it into the ring.
Former two-time champion Joshua is next out against a previous Fury opponent in Otto Wallin this weekend, while Fury has his hands full with the challenge of Oleksandr Usyk in February next year for the undisputed crown.
If both men win there would be only a few other legitimate opponents out there for either at this point in their careers, making the possibility of them coming together for a historic all-British clash before retirement ever more likely.
Speaking to TNT Sports Boxing, Joshua was asked to describe Fury in just one word and he was slow to answer, first pausing, then laughing,
“Should I just rip into this geezer and call him every name under the sun or just leave him?”
Joshua then considered and gave his answer.
“Diva.”
It’s a little softer than his recent description of ‘The Gypsy King’ as a ‘fat slob.‘ ‘AJ’ was then asked what would happen in a fight between the two and who would win. It’s no surprise that he projects confidence on the bout, and he listed the reasons why.
“Me. Too quick, too strong, can’t lean on me, can’t throw me about and I’m explosive. I can knock people out. I knock a lot of people out … It wouldn’t be early, he’s a good fighter. But I’ll be there 100%.”
Though there are already rumours that Joshua will be fighting Deontay Wilder – who appears on the same card this weekend against Joseph Parker – next year should both men come through unscathed. If he keeps winning, Joshua versus Fury would also be an irresistible clash.