Anthony Joshua faced backlash from fans after he avoided committing to a showdown with Tyson Fury. Fury dominated his recent bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov, but Joshua, who was present at the event, chose not to engage with Fury’s callout for a fight. Despite Fury’s public challenge for a “battle of Britain,” Joshua hesitated to agree to the match and may opt for a preliminary fight before potentially meeting Fury later this year.
In response, Joshua dismissed Fury’s accusations, asserting his authority and emphasizing the need for formal negotiations before any fight. While expressing a willingness to face Fury, Joshua highlighted the importance of following the proper procedures and hinted at a likely future encounter in the ring.
When questioned about the possibility of a warm-up fight, Joshua acknowledged the options available but mentioned personal matters that he needs to address before making a definitive decision. The longstanding rivalry between the two British boxers has faced multiple obstacles in the past, including contractual disputes and unforeseen events, delaying their anticipated clash.
Despite a previously arranged deal in 2021 that was disrupted by external circumstances, both fighters have expressed interest in finally meeting each other in the ring after fulfilling their respective commitments. However, unforeseen incidents, such as Joshua’s car accident following a previous victory, have further complicated the timing of their potential matchup.