Anthony Joshua SLAMS Tyson Fury: Heavyweight reveals true thoughts on Deontay Wilder bout
ANTHONY JOSHUA believes Tyson Fury’s comeback is NOT motivated by a desire to return to the summit of the heavyweight division.
Tyson Fury denies rumour Deontay Wilder fight is off
The lineal heavyweight champion returned to the ring in June after a two-and-half-year layoff, facing Sefer Seferi before locking horns with Francesco Pianeta last month.
Victory over Pianeta set up a multi-million-pound showdown with WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder, which is expected to take place in November.
‘The Gypsy King’ is eager to unify the heavyweight division, a quest he aims to begin by handing Wilder his first professional loss.
But Joshua isn’t so sure that’s Fury’s plan and believes the Wythenshawe native has only decided to lace up his gloves again for financial reasons.
“Tyson Fury's strategy is to put some money in the bank after a three-year layoff," Joshua told Sky Sports.
'He'll continue talking rubbish as he does. In the long run, thunder strikes and it continues to strike.”
Although Wilder vs Fury is currently the talk of the boxing world, Joshua insists the bout hasn’t overshadowed his upcoming title defence against Alexander Povetkin.
“It's not like they've stolen the limelight. There's enough on the table for everyone to eat, in my opinion," the IBF, WBA and WBO champion added.
Tyson Fury's strategy is to put some money in the bank after a three-year layoff,
Prior to WBA ordering him to fight Povetkin, Joshua was in negotiations to face Wilder in a blockbuster unification bout.
A deal to see the pair throw down didn’t come to fruition as their representatives couldn’t hash out a deal.
And Joshua believes Wilder wants to fight Fury so he can increase his bargaining power in future negotiations.
“I know the strategy is for him to fight Fury after a three-year layoff,” ‘AJ’ said of Wilder. “He's got a good chance of beating him.
Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder fight will be his hardest ever
“It will boost his profile so when he comes back to the negotiating table he will have a better leg to stand on.”
Joshua is keen to fight Wilder and admits he must face ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to be truly considered the best heavyweight on the planet.
“We have to fight, there's no two ways about it,” he said. "Remember we've been negotiating since I fought [Carlos] Takam last year.
"I've been trying to get a fight with Wilder, it's been ongoing for a long time. It feels very difficult."