Miami: Anthony Joshua has reignited his long-running rivalry with Tyson Fury, delivering blunt comments about a potential future showdown between Britain’s two biggest boxing stars while keeping his immediate focus on Jake Paul.
Joshua and Fury have been linked for nearly a decade as the defining figures of British heavyweight boxing. Despite constant talk, trash-talk exchanges, and public pressure, the long-anticipated clash has never materialized. Still, interest remains enormous—even with neither fighter currently holding a world title.
Joshua Focused on Jake Paul, Not Fury
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is set to face Jake Paul on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and he made it clear that Fury is not a current concern.
“I’m fighting Jake. That’s my focus,” Joshua said during an appearance on the Mr. Verzace Podcast with Rick Reeno.
“Fury isn’t even on my radar. He can sit around doing Instagram videos, but he’s not the one getting in the ring—Jake is.”
Joshua dismissed Fury’s recent online jabs, questioning the former champion’s commitment to competition.
“I’m looking for real fighters,” Joshua added. “Tyson’s not a real fighter in my eyes.”
Joshua vs Fury Still a Massive Event
Despite the rhetoric, a Joshua-Fury bout remains one of boxing’s most lucrative possibilities. According to The Ring, discussions are underway for the fight to headline a Riyadh Season event in 2026.
Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) announced his retirement after suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, but his name continues to dominate heavyweight conversations.
Joshua Takes Paul Seriously
While many fans view Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) as a novelty act, Joshua insists he is not underestimating his upcoming opponent. Paul transitioned from YouTube stardom to boxing in 2020 and has faced a mix of MMA fighters, former athletes, and aging boxing names.
Paul’s recent victories over Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. were widely criticized, but Joshua sees the matchup as a serious test—especially as he looks to rebound from his fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Joshua Reflects on Fury vs Usyk Rivalry
Joshua also reflected on Fury’s two-fight rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk, whom he considers a friend and occasionally trains alongside in Valencia, Spain. Fury entered their first bout as a heavy favorite but was badly hurt in the ninth round before ultimately losing on the scorecards.
Joshua did not hold back when discussing Fury’s defeats.
“I wish Usyk knocked him out,” Joshua said.
“He needs to be humbled. If I ever get the opportunity, I’ll make sure I lay him flat on his back.”
What’s Next?
If Joshua delivers against Paul as expected, momentum could quickly build toward a long-awaited Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury showdown—a fight that, retirement or not, continues to loom large over the heavyweight division.
