Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua inside the ring may well be on ice again, but the soap opera outside the ropes is still going strong with AJ blasting ‘The Gypsy King’ as “a fraud”.
Joshua hit out at his fellow British world heavyweight champion as the realisation hit home that their planned August 14 superfight will now likely not happen.
Fury vs Joshua fight in grave danger
Monday’s arbitration ruling from the United States which says Fury must face Deontay Wilder before September likely destroys that possibility. There is the slim chance Fury and Wilder may agree a resolution – but slim is unlikely to be home.
Joshua is not known for outbursts on social media, but he unleashed a calculated shot on Wednesday evening, hammering Fury for the apparent breakdown of their enormous clash in Saudi Arabia.
He said: “@Tyson_Fury the world now sees you for the fraud you are. You’ve let boxing down!
“You lied to the fans and led them on. Used my name for clout not a fight.
“Bring me any championship fighter who can handle their business correctly.”
.@Tyson_Fury the world now sees you for the fraud you are.
You’ve let boxing down!
You lied to the fans and led them on. Used my name for clout not a fight.
Bring me any championship fighter who can handle their business correctly.
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) May 19, 2021
The beef did not stop there though – Fury hit back swiftly and among other things challenged AJ to a bare knuckle fight which each putting up £20million.
AJ though responded again, pouring scorn on Fury’s invitation. He highlighted the moment Billy Joe Saunders’ father was manhandled by security at the recent Canelo vs Saunders showdown in Texas, with Fury close by.
You’re not about that bare knuckle life.
A barrier held you back, not even a bouncer! ???? https://t.co/LI6973nrK2 pic.twitter.com/HvTC4HcOcS
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) May 19, 2021
It’s unusual for Joshua to be so vociferous on social media – normally he does most of his talking with his fists.
But, whether that August 14 showdown goes ahead or not, a meeting between Fury and Joshua at some stage in the future is still very possible.
Wilder and Usyk real threats
There is now the risk though that something – or someone – comes along to destroy the huge financial value in the fight. Right now the pair hold all the heavyweight titles and are at the peak of their powers.
But now Fury (30-0-1) must likely face the dangerous puncher that is Wilder (42-1-1) again in July, while Joshua (24-1) appears set to defend his belts against WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk in August.
While both men would start favourite for their respective assignments (Fury is 2/7, AJ is a best-priced 1/2), both are extremely dangerous tests.
IF they come through, then Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum believes Fury vs Joshua can happen in November or December.
Will that $155million (£109million) site fee from Saudi Arabia still be on the table though? Will Wembley be back in play? So many questions are now to be answered.
Long-suffering boxing fans are used to this, maddening as it is. Once again it’s a case of get your popcorn, kick back and wait for the drama to unfold.
