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Boxing

Tyson Fury 'is just another heavyweight', says Anthony Joshua

Liam Happe
Tyson Fury 'is just another heavyweight', says Anthony JoshuaDAZN
The verbal sparring continues between the heavyweight division's two current world titleholders ahead of their expected all-British superfight in 2021.

Anthony Joshua brushed off heavyweight rival Tyson Fury's recent comments, saying neither he nor Deontay Wilder would be his biggest challenge if he does one day meet either or both in the ring.

The verbal sparring between Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) and Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) has gone back-and-forth ever since Matchroom and Queensberry agreed in principle to a two-fight deal in what would be a huge domestic and global fight.

And the WBA (Super) IBF, WBO, and IBO champion was the latest to fire shots in a recent interview with Sky Sports.

"Fury has been professional much longer than me. He should be looking to retire soon," Joshua said. "If he wants to cement his legacy, I'm here and ready. I've built myself into this position.

"I'll challenge Fury, I'll challenge Wilder," continued Joshua. "These guys aren't the biggest names that I've fought on my record anyway. They are just another heavyweight.

"Look at my record. They are not the best fighters that I have challenged. When they are ready, I'm here to fight."

The 30-year-old must first get past Kubrat Pulev in a title defence promoter Eddie Hearn is looking to confirm in the near future on a date before Christmas.

And Fury and Wilder, of course, are expected to first complete their trilogy, which so far has seen a draw and an emphatic Fury victory.

Joshua maintains that neither potential 2021 opponent fazes him at all.

"I came up quick," he said. "That shows I'm ready.

"These boys turned professional in 2008 and it took [Fury seven years] to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.

"He's on a completely different journey. I want to steam through.

"I haven't got fear of Fury — whether he's got a better chin than me, a better jab than me, whether he's all of this stuff that people say. So be it. Let me go in there and prove myself. Show you who I am and what I can do.

"I've fought five champions and been in two unification fights. I'm a two-time heavyweight champion in the space of 24 fights and a [seven-year] career. It shows you I am serious.

"If Fury is serious, I'll take that fight seriously, too."