ANTHONY JOSHUA stunned boxing by ACCEPTING Tyson Fury’s offer of a Battle of Britain fight in December.
Joshua, 32, suffered a third professional defeat of his career against Oleksandr Usyk last month – his second loss in a row to the Ukrainian.
Fury called for a £500MILLION undisputed showdown with the Ukrainian in the aftermath.
But with that looking unlikely this year, he instead turned his attention to long-time rival AJ.
The mischievous Gypsy King teased AJ by posting on social media: “I’d like to give you an opportunity to fight for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.”
And the Watford hero tweeted in reply: “Yeah calm. I don’t do the online discussions just for clout, so if you’re really about it, shout. I’ll be ready in December.”
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Many thought Fury’s offer was little more than the opportunity to have a dig at his long-time rival.
The Morecambe giant knows he is unlikely to secure an undisputed decider with WBA, IBF and WBO champ Oleksandr Usyk until early 2023.
Ukrainian genius Usyk wants to rest with his family after beating AJ for the second time last month.
So Fury, 34, fancies a UK show in December to keep the cash rolling in.
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Fury can cherry pick any of the WBC’s top 15 contenders. And he told Joshua: “You’re coming off a 12-round fight, so you’re match-fit.
“I’m giving you a few months’ notice. So, if you’re interested, I’ll send you the date over and we can rumble.
“A Battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.
“Let me know if you’re interested. If not, I will select another opponent.”
There are still a number of hurdles to a fight that has been the best part of five years in the making.
Former champ Joshua, 32, is now tied into a long-term exclusive broadcast deal with streaming app DAZN, while Fury is on rivals BT Sport.
And AJ’s two consecutive losses to Usyk mean that his stock has never been lower.
That would leave a gloating Fury as the No 1 attraction — and taking home the lion’s share of any purse.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn has already confirmed his star attraction Joshua will enjoy a couple of rebuilding fights, before he takes on another dangerous opponent.
And anyone training for a shot at Fury needs a couple of months sparring with someone close to his 6ft 9in, 19st frame and switch-hitting style.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
