The build-up to Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua should be spectacular, but there is a danger the trash talk could end up being one-way traffic.
Fury has openly mocked AJ regularly as the pair verbally limber up for their eagerly-awaited world heavyweight title showdown inside the ropes, currently slated for late May or early June.
And ‘The Gypsy King’ was at it again on Thursday, taking shots at Joshua after the Watford man had posted pictures of himself in the gym looking ripped and in incredible shape.
Joshua’s social media post on Twitter was accompanied by the message: “A great modern day fighter will be able to compete in any era.”
A great? My arse! You got ktfo by a chubby kid who had 3 weeks notice. You are a great at looking good on pics I must say whit whooo…..xxx
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) January 7, 2021
To say Fury was less than impressed by that though would be an understatement, and the Morecambe behemoth hit back with both barrels.
Fury hits back at Joshua for Twitter post
He said: “A great? My arse! You got ktfo by a chubby kid who had three weeks notice. You are a great at looking good on pics I must say whit whooo….xxx”
Fury of course was referring to Joshua’s only professional defeat so far, that shocking stoppage by 30-1 late stand-in Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden in June 2019.
Joshua (24-1) duly avenged that defeat with a points victory in their rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019, but the unbeaten Fury (30-0-1) clearly hasn’t forgotten it.
Fury vs Joshua likely to be outside UK
Fury and Joshua have agreed in principle the financial structure for a two-fight deal. It appears more likely every day that the first meeting will take place outside the UK.
COVID-19 restrictions mean a huge crowd being allowed into a stadium like Wembley in the near future is highly unlikely. Saudi Arabia is currently the favourite to stage the fight. It is expected to offer a huge site fee, having of course already staged that Joshua vs Ruiz Jr 2 showdown in 2019.
Fury remains favourite for the big showdown with the bookmakers at a general 4/7, while Joshua is around the 7/4 mark.
