Shortly after his successful return to the boxing ring, Tyson Fury is already talking about retirement again. With a clear ulterior motive: The “Gypsy King” is increasing the pressure on his arch-rival Anthony Joshua.
Tyson Fury had barely won his comeback fight against Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov when the former heavyweight world champion was flirting with retirement again.
“If Anthony Joshua isn’t next, I’m not interested in boxing. I’ll eat 1,000 Easter eggs and bloat myself to 500 pounds. Then I’m out, I’m not interested. He – or I’m out again,” Fury said. According to the 37-year-old, he doesn’t care about rankings and world championship belts. “I’m all about AJ. This fight, this is the fight that defines British boxing.”
Fury returned on Saturday in London with a points victory over Makhmudov after a year and a half break from the ring. He then challenged his arch-rival Joshua, who was sitting in row one, to a duel.
“I want to give you the fight you’re all waiting for. I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fans what they want – the Battle of Britain. I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, the Gypsy King, next. Do you accept my challenge?” Fury shouted into the microphone of broadcasting streaming giant Netflix.
Tyson Fury increases the pressure
However, Joshua didn’t get involved. “You don’t tell me what I do. I’m the boss, I’m the landlord, remember that,” Joshua replied.
Boxing fans have been dreaming of the “Battle of Britain” for a decade. The fight repeatedly failed due to financial disputes. Although Fury and Joshua are past their best, the British duel is still the biggest fight that can be made at the moment.
With his threat to resign, Joshua wants to increase the pressure on his rival to finally satisfy the fans’ longing before the (possibly already ongoing) negotiations with the Joshua camp.
