Anthony Joshua has conceded the impact of Tyson Fury’s “personal” verbal assault, promising to use it as motivation in the British heavyweights’ long-awaited showdown. To Joshua, Fury’s swipes are all the more reason for the fight to happen. Fury’s win over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 led to a verbal battle that only intensified after Joshua clinched the same IBF heavyweight title Fury had vacated. Despite being sidelined due to personal and professional issues, including anti-doping controversies, Fury didn’t hold back in his verbal exchanges, even after making his 2018 comeback.
The prospect of a significant bout has thrilled fans multiple times, but negotiations have consistently fallen through due to various reasons. In 2020, Fury suggested a fight was on the horizon for 2021, a plan derailed by Deontay Wilder’s successful legal bid for a trilogy fight with Fury. Plans for a 2022 fight also fell through, leading Fury to fight Dereck Chisora for a third time instead.
On “The Jonathan Ross Show,” Joshua expressed a desire to settle scores with Fury in the ring, using Fury’s taunts as a motivational tool. “He’s one of my rivals,” Joshua stated.
Joshua’s candid admission highlights the depth of their rivalry, setting the stage for what could be an epic clash. As fans continue to wait eagerly for this heavyweight battle, Joshua’s resolve to transform Fury’s verbal jabs into a catalyst for victory adds an intriguing layer to their rivalry.
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