Tyson Fury Launches Sharp Critique of Anthony Joshua, Claiming He Hides Behind a Mask
Tyson Fury’s surprising bond with Anthony Joshua has come to an end, with the Gypsy King now branding him a bum and a fraud.
The heavyweight rivals are officially scheduled to meet in Cardiff on December 12.
During a press conference on Wednesday, both fighters appeared friendly, with the 38-year-old Gypsy King describing AJ as a role model and a poster boy for British boxing.
Joshua, 36, even jokingly teased his long-time rival about his notorious love handles as they met for a tense face-off.
However, behind the scenes at the Olympia exhibition center, Fury lashed out at his 2010 sparring partner and contender for the title of the greatest British heavyweight of this era.
Fury asserted: “He never was any good.”
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“He would never beat me in a million years, at any time.
“When I hit him with that right hand, he’s going to feel its full impact; he’s going to go down in a heap.
“But even before the first bell rings, he’ll be looking for a place to land.”
Fury certainly has plenty of material to pour fuel on the fire ahead of their bout.
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Fury vs Joshua – all the info
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are finally set to clash in an exhilarating match this December!
The two boxing icons will settle their long-running feud in what is being dubbed a ‘Battle of Britain’ that has been in the making for over a decade.
Both fighters triumphed over their recent opponents, with victories against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga in July.
Now, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is preparing to host this epic encounter!
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The London 2012 star struggled initially in his July warm-up against Albanian newcomer Kristian Prenga.
He was knocked down just 20 seconds into the match and hit the mat again before the bell spared him from a round-one disaster.
Fury argues that this performance—occurring just before he stopped Prenga in the second round—demonstrates that there’s nothing left in Joshua’s chin or his career.
He questioned: “Even if he didn’t fight me next, who else could he take on without losing?”
“You just saw him battle Prenga, whoever that was, and he got dropped twice against him.
“What would happen if he faced a real contender, someone who isn’t hand-picked or a bum to collapse?
“I don’t know of anyone he could defeat, and I can assure you he won’t beat me!”
On the west London stage, the pair exchanged pleasantries referencing their sparring days as they were both on the rise.
Fury has also historically video-called Joshua unexpectedly, sometimes launching barbs or checking in on him and his family.
However, after 16 years in this rivalry – or friendship – Fury believes Joshua has hidden his true self and what we’ve seen is merely a façade.
He remarked: “I don’t know him as a person.
“I only know him as the false front we’ve witnessed on TV or during interviews or whatever.
“At times, that mask slips, but I don’t know him as an individual.
“I have no knowledge of him. We’ve never spent time together.”
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An exciting year of boxing lies ahead!
This year has already shown to be an incredible success in the ring, and we’re just getting started!
All attention is now on the ‘Battle of Britain’ between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, as they prepare to finally close the chapter on their rivalry this December.
Prior to that, in October, Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will face off again after their thrilling bout in May. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez will make his return against Christian Mbili on Halloween.
Here’s a list of the exciting fights coming up…
October
- Sat 3 – Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace – DAZN
- Sat 10 – Joey Essex vs Dapper Laughs – DAZN
- Sat 17 – Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 – DAZN
- Sat 24 – Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello – DAZN
- Sat 31 – Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbili – DAZN
December
- Fri 11 – Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua – Netflix
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“I don’t know anything about him behind the mask; I have no clue what he’s truly like.”
Joshua emphasized his desire to maintain the fight in Cardiff instead of moving it to New York, honoring his childhood coaches, as well as the British supporters who have backed him since the London Olympics.
Yet Fury—who, like AJ, has moved to a tax-friendly area in the Isle of Man—claims Joshua isn’t the local hero he pretends to be.
When asked about Joshua’s reluctance regarding the Madison Square Garden option, Fury responded: “I have no idea.
“He’s only fought there once, and it didn’t go well.
“I’m sure he has his reasons.
“He may portray himself as a patriot, but there’s a reason he resides in Dubai.”