Anthony Joshua shares why he chose not to step into the ring after Tyson Fury’s comeback, even though he got an invite.
Anthony Joshua recently shared the real reason he didn’t step into the ring with Tyson Fury after Fury’s big comeback win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April. Even though Joshua was right there at ringside, he stayed out of the ring after Fury’s victory.
After the fight, Fury didn’t hold back, calling out Joshua over the microphone. “I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next. Do you accept?” he shouted. But Joshua didn’t take the bait, ignoring Fury’s calls even though Fury tried several times. Instead, Joshua just sat near the ring apron and later responded, “I punched you up when we were kids and I’ll punch you up again. You’re not telling me what to do. I’ve been chasing you for 10 years. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.”
Fury fired back with, “You are next. You are getting knocked out. Believe it.”
Although fans expect these two to face off in a huge fight later this year, they actually have separate fights booked just one day apart. Fury will be fighting Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, aiming for his 36th win out of 39 fights. Then, on July 25, Joshua will fight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia. This will be Joshua’s first fight since a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, where he lost two close friends.
In a chat with DAZN, Joshua explained why he didn’t join Fury in the ring back in April—it was all about respect and smart moves. He said, “If he wants to come into the ring after I win on July 25th, he’s welcome. That’s my territory. I’m the landlord. I’ll welcome him into my home, but I’m not going into his.”
He also shared, “I’ve been in that position before, signing contracts with Fury. So, I wasn’t playing games. If a contract was signed, I would have gotten in the ring. I was there to scout and see what my future opponents look like. I saw a lot—some good, some weak spots.”
While Fury vs. Joshua is expected to happen at Wembley Stadium, the exact date and venue haven’t been confirmed yet.