TYSON FURY has claimed Anthony Joshua “found his level” in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
The 32-year-old Brit lost by split decision to the unbeaten Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Joshua’s third professional defeat – and second in a row – has ended talks of an all-British dust-up with Fury for the time being.
And while Fury now enters negotiations over a potential undisputed bout with Usyk, he has also piled in on AJ’s ability.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “There’s no disrespect to Joshua – but at top-level, world-class boxing, he just can’t cut it.”
He then went on to add: “I don’t respect Usyk. I don’t think he’s a great fighter. I’ve seen more excitement in Morecambe on a Friday night.
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” Without being disrespectful to Joshua, he’s found his level. He’s lost three of his last five, so clearly he’s come up wanting at a high level.
“I didn’t take anything from that fight, Joshua found his level.
“Usyk didn’t land a worthwhile punch in 12 rounds. It was tip-tap b*******! He couldn’t knock the skin off a rice pudding.”
Fury was then quizzed on where AJ’s legacy sits following the back-to-back losses against Usyk.
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To which he simply responded: “It’s in tatters.”
Fury also told Usyk that his team have just one week to negotiate the undisputed fight or he will stay retired.
The Gypsy King claimed he was hanging up his gloves after knocking out Dillian Whyte in April.
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But following Usyk’s win over AJ, he revealed he would face the Ukrainian for the unrealistic price of £500million.
He elaborated on that position by adding: “They have a week. It’s August 24. They have a week to submit their offers.
“I want it in writing with proof of funds. This fight is purely about money. I’m happily retired. I don’t need money, I’ve got plenty of money.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk