Tyson Fury issues strong defence of Anthony Joshua despite bitter rivalry
Anthony Joshua has had more than his fair share of critics in recent years but has found an unlikely ally with heavyweight rival Tyson Fury launching a passionate defence
Tyson Fury has launched a strong defence of heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua – insisting his fellow Brit has “made it”.
Joshua is preparing for his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August 20 as he looks to reclaim the IBF, WBA and WBO belts he lost in September. Since his defeat to Usyk, the second of his professional career, Joshua has come in for plenty of criticism.
But Fury has defended his bitter rival and declared he is sick of hearing people criticising the former Olympic gold medalist. He posted the comments on his Instagram story a few hours after Joshua and Usyk faced off at their London press conference.
“ Tyson Fury and this is my defence of AJ,” Fury begins. “Everyone’s saying AJ’s a bum, he’s this, he’s that, he can’t fight because he’s lost a few.
“But AJ has made it in life. The man can go to the pub every single day and drink Peroni if he wants to. He can go on holiday every day, he can play with his kids every day of his life.
“So I don’t want to hear any more of this bull**** that AJ’s useless, he’s this, he’s that, he can’t fight. The man’s made it!”
Despite his defence of Joshua, Fury declared earlier this week that he expects Ukrainian star Usyk to again get the better of Joshua. That would leave any hopes of seeing British rivals Fury and Joshua finally step in the ring together far in the distance.
“I think with Robert Garcia trying to train him to go on the front foot and be aggressive will only enable Usyk to land more often. I just don’t see it but then again, what do I know.
“I just think that Usyk’s too good of a boxer for AJ and I don’t think AJ has got the ability to pressurise him for 12 rounds, drag him into a dog fight and knock him out.
“You have to be an elite, special human being for that and I don’t think Joshua possesses that will to win to do that.
“He’s happy to come second place, he’s too easily happy to come second position. If your willingly settled for second, say no more.”
