ANTHONY JOSHUA aimed a dig at Tyson Fury for being floored by Francis Ngannou and goaded: “Imagine what I would do.”
Fury faced Ngannou in an October crossover clash designed to be a showcase of his skills before an undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
But it almost ended in disaster as Fury was dropped and deemed fortunate to walk away with a controversial points victory.
Heavyweight rival Joshua – who returns on Saturday against Otto Wallin – watched in shock and is left in no doubt he has the beating of Fury.
He told Sky Sports: “Trust me, you know what I’m saying?
“You know what I’m saying. The bodybuilders. The muscly Africans are coming back. You know what’s going on, I’ve seen it. I know.
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“Imagine what I would do, but anyway Otto Wallin, that’s our focus. So I’m going to end it on that.”
Fury, 35, managed to keep his title unification with Usyk alive by scrapping past Ngannou.
But the initial December 23 date was axed and instead the division’s first ever four-belt unification is set for February 17.
In that absence, Joshua, 34, has stepped in to face Wallin.
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Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder returns against Joseph Parker on the same night as part of a HUGE pay-per-view bill.
Joshua is lined up to fight Wilder next year but the pair former world champions must win their respective bouts first.
So AJ is refusing to focus on anyone else but the dangerous Wallin, who left Fury needing 47 stitches in a points defeat back in 2019.
Joshua said: “That’s my main focus. Otto Wallin. He gave that man, Tyson Fury a good run for his money, he’s a great fighter, respect to him.
“I’m giving him the ultimate respect – even though he doesn’t deserve it – but I’m giving it to him in my mind.
“Because I want to be the best version and be ready to put myself on the level I need, in order to be victorious.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk