Tyson Fury has fumed at Anthony Joshua after his rival predicted he would lose to Oleksandr Usyk when the pair meet for their undisputed showdown this summer.
Fury locks horns with the Ukranian on May 18 for all the marbles as they battle it out to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua is out in the Middle East himself as he prepares to face one of Fury’s former opponents in Francis Ngannou, with their ‘Knockout Chaos’ clash taking place on Friday night in Riyadh.
Fury was given a shock when he fought Ngannou in December, with the former UFC star putting the WBC world champion on the canvas in round three during what was his first ever professional boxing bout.
The Gypsy King’s below-par performance in that fight led to speculation he could retire and even some suggesting he may lose to pound-for-pound star Usyk after looking flat against the Cameroonian.
Tyson Fury has hit back at Anthony Joshua after claiming he would lose to Oleksandr Usyk
Fury will face the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia this summer for the chance to become undisputed heavyweight world champion
Joshua was one of those agreeing that Usyk would hand Fury his first ever defeat.
When asked who he would rather win the fight, he said he would pick Fury because it would mean he could face him in the near future.
‘Well, that’s if he fights me, he always says he doesn’t want to fight. But it’s a bigger fight for me down the line if he wins.
‘That’s the only reason I would say Fury, for my own benefit. Very selfish reasons.’
However, that response triggered the wrath of Fury, who was quick to hit out at his rival on social media for his bold prediction.
‘Only in AJ’s dreams can Usyk ever beat me,’ he said on Instagram. ‘I’ll wipe the floor with both of you bums.’
Joshua has been linked with a fight against Fury for years – and will be hopeful of finally setting one up after his showdown against Usyk.
Fury is looking to bounce back after being stunned by Francis Ngannou in the third round of their December fight – before edging to a narrow points victory
Joshua is in the Middle East to face a dangerous test against Ngannou on Friday night
Joshua and Fury’s father John shared a warm embrace over the weekend in Saudi Arabia
The British star even suggested this week that an all-British face-off between the pair is ‘in the pipeline’, adding: ‘It’s been bubbling for a long time and it has to happen.
‘We are with you guys. We’re talking about it, it’s definitely going to happen sooner rather than later – mark my words.’
It comes after Joshua had a chance encounter with Fury’s father John in Saudi Arabia, with the pair exchanging kind words despite AJ’s rivalry with his son.
John hugged Joshua and shook his hand, and reflecting on that moment ahead of the grand arrivals for Friday’s fight, he heaped praise on the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
‘He will be world champion again. Respectful man, he was lovely and it was heartful. I’ve got nothing but admiration and respect for Joshua.’
‘I’ve always had time for Joshua. He’s a great fighter and he’s done a lot for boxing,’ Fury told Queensberry Promotions.