In a bombshell interview with Sky Sports, Anthony Joshua unleashed a scathing critique of Tyson Fury, accusing the former heavyweight champion of lacking integrity and ducking their long-awaited showdown. The explosive comments, made ahead of Joshua’s planned return in early 2026, have reignited their heated rivalry, sending shockwaves through the boxing world and sparking a frenzy on X. Joshua’s blunt assessment of Fury’s character has fans buzzing, with many speculating that the verbal jab could finally force the elusive “Gypsy King” into the ring for a blockbuster all-British clash.
Joshua, 35, didn’t hold back, labeling Fury as “unreliable” and questioning his commitment to the sport. “Tyson talks a big game, but his actions don’t match,” Joshua said, pointing to Fury’s repeated retirements and unfulfilled promises of a fight. The Watford-born star, still stinging from his September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, suggested Fury’s reluctance stems from fear of losing his legacy. “He knows I’d bring everything. He’s been dodging me for years,” Joshua added, referencing their stalled negotiations since 2021, when a title unification bout fell apart. The accusation has added fuel to a rivalry that’s simmered for over a decade.
Fury, 36, who retired in January 2025 after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, has hinted at a comeback, with reports of a verbal agreement for a Joshua fight at Wembley by late 2025. Yet, Joshua’s comments cast doubt on Fury’s sincerity, accusing him of playing mind games with fans and promoters. “He’s not about the fight; he’s about the drama,” Joshua quipped, highlighting Fury’s social media antics, like his October 2024 Instagram post mocking Joshua’s physique. The remarks have divided fans, with some on X praising Joshua’s candor and others defending Fury’s unpredictable charisma as part of his appeal.
The boxing community is abuzz with anticipation, as Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, insists the fight remains the “big focus” for 2026. Joshua’s recent elbow surgery delayed his return, but he’s back in training, eyeing a tune-up bout against a top-15 opponent before targeting Fury. Meanwhile, Fury’s camp, led by Frank Warren, has stayed mum, though sources suggest he’s been training rigorously, possibly for a trilogy with Usyk or the Joshua mega-fight. Posts on X reflect the excitement, with one user stating, “AJ’s calling Fury out like never before—this fight has to happen!”
Joshua’s outburst has raised the stakes, painting Fury as a showman who shies away from true challenges. Whether this provokes Fury to sign the contract or fuels more verbal sparring remains to be seen. For now, Joshua’s unfiltered words have exposed the raw tension between two of Britain’s biggest boxing stars, setting the stage for a showdown that could define their legacies and captivate the world.
