Anthony Joshua has launched a scathing attack on boxing rival Tyson Fury, calling the fellow Briton an “idiot” and insisting his recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk was deserved.
Last month's bout between Fury and Usyk in Saudi Arabia went to a full round, with the Ukrainian ultimately winning by split decision.
The 35-year-old has vowed to win the rematch on December 21.
Joshua, who has been at loggerheads with Fury for some time, has now lashed out at his compatriot.
Boxing News: Anthony Joshua launches scathing attack on Tyson Fury
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“I'm happy Fury isn't the undisputed champion, I just think he's a jerk,” he said, according to the Daily Star.
“If it was anyone else, I might think it was a shame.
“I always say he’s an idiot and very disrespectful.
“I don't mind, but I feel like he thinks he'll feel better by stepping on other people.”
“I'm not competing with anyone. I'm on my own path, but he has to trample on others to feel better. That's not good.”
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“The way he disrespected Usyk, being a 'rabbit' and a 'middleweight' — that's not good for the sport.”
“If I respect you and you respect me, it will help elevate the sport and people will think we are two of the best fighters in the world.”
“But Fury will stomp you down and make you look like a guy who’s just come out of the pub, he’s not on your level.
“And he gets smacked. He deserves it.”
Usyk recently relinquished his IBF belt, meaning three other belts will be on the line when he and Fury face off in a rematch at the end of the year.
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If Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, the pair could face off in 2025 for the undefeated title.
And AJ has now revealed his determination to fight Fury after years of intense speculation.
“I don't care anymore if he wins or loses,” Joshua said, “I just want to fight him. It's just dragging on.”
“Fury is avoiding a lot of people. He hasn't fought a lot of people, especially the top class people.”
“I hope he comes and fights me soon and doesn’t waste my time.
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Boxing News: Anthony Joshua says Tyson Fury 'deserved' loss to Oleksandr Usyk
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“I don't want to wait until I'm 40, 41, 42 to fight him.
“He's in a position to make his own decisions.
“As far as the fans are concerned, we know what they want. We tried to make the fight happen, we had a deal in place but then it fell apart.”
“Hopefully we can finally have sex after this.”
Meanwhile, Fury said earlier this month that he plans to “redeem himself” by fighting Usyk a second time.
Boxing News: Tyson Fury vows to avenge loss to Oleksandr Usyk
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“I don't want to wait until I'm 40, 41, 42 to fight him.
“He's in a position to make his own decisions.
“As far as the fans are concerned, we know what they want. We tried to make the fight happen, we had a deal in place but then it fell apart.”
“Hopefully we can finally have sex after this.”
Meanwhile, Fury said earlier this month that he plans to “redeem himself” by fighting Usyk a second time.
