John Fury, the father of current WBC champion, Tyson, has made it clear what he believes the main issue facing Anthony Joshua is.
Joshua made his return to the ring last month against Jermaine Franklin, following back to back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. Even though the former two-time champion got the victory, it wasn’t the statement performance he was craving and it’s done little to silence the critics.
Many feel ‘AJ’ hasn’t been the same aggressive fighter since his defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr back in 2019, with the 33 year-old now looking hesitant to let his hands go.
Speaking with Spencer Fearon, John offered his support to Joshua and encouraged the UK to get behind their man.
“Poor old AJ, stop giving the kids stick, support your man, support your man. We’re all British and he’s a fellow heavyweight, there are a few little rising UK heavyweight stars and I support them all, they need all support and attention we can give them.
If you supported him before, then support him now.”
Fury says Joshua’s team need to quickly realise that the main issue isn’t physical.
“You don’t put the boot in when they’re down do you. He’s come off a win against Jermaine Franklin, can he get better? Of course he can.
They are digging in the wrong places with him. ‘AJ’ needs to be worked on mentally.
They need to wake the f**k up and recognise the obvious problem with the kid and work on it.”
Joshua looks set to face Deontay Wilder in December as part of a four-man heavyweight tournament in Saudi Arabia.
The plans would also see Fury’s son, Tyson finally take on Usyk for the undisputed championship.