Anthony Joshua has spoken out about a potential domestic dust up with Tyson Fury, claiming Fury “needs” him following the collapse in talks for an undisputed world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Despite being the two premier UK heavyweights for the best part of a decade, Fury and ‘AJ’ are yet to lock horns in what would be by far and away the biggest fight in the history of British boxing.
There were discussions to make the historic clash towards the end of last year, however these fell through and Fury ended up facing Derek Chisora in a trilogy contest instead, despite already holding two wins over him.
Speaking at the press conference for his comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin this week, Joshua explained that he feels the time is right for himself and Fury to finally squash their differences in the ring.
“There’s no better time! I feel like now, provided the Usyk doesn’t happen and he doesn’t fight anyone in between, Fury needs me at the minute.”
On who was to blame why the fight didn’t get made last year, Joshua answered.
“Maybe me? I didn’t meet his deadline.”
There also seems to be a desire from team Fury to make the historic bout, with Queensberry boss Frank Warren admitting a date with Joshua would be much bigger than one with Usyk for ‘The Gypsy King.’
All this talk of a fight with Fury will be inconsequential, however, if Joshua cannot get past Franklin at the 02 Arena this weekend.
The American gave a solid account of himself in defeat to Dillian Whyte last November, and is said to be in the best shape of his career.
Although Joshua goes into the fight a firm favourite, defeat would be catastrophic and would almost certainly end any hopes he has of becoming three time heavyweight champion of the world.