Tyson Fury has intensified the build-up to a potential heavyweight showdown with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, confidently predicting he would knock out the former world champion if they finally face off in the ring.
Following his dominant victory earlier this year, Fury has once again named Joshua as his preferred next opponent, increasing excitement around what many boxing fans consider the biggest heavyweight clash of this generation.
Speaking to FurociTV, Fury expressed confidence in his chances against Joshua.
“I’ll knock him out for sure,” Fury said.
“He won’t survive against me. I’m quicker, a better boxer, and I believe he doesn’t have the chin to handle my punches,” he added.
Fury also referenced Daniel Dubois’ recent opponents, noting that Joshua was the only fighter among them to be dropped multiple times.
Meanwhile, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has shared a different opinion on the possible blockbuster fight.
Usyk, who has defeated both Fury and Joshua twice, said he believes Joshua could come out victorious if the fight takes place this year.
The Ukrainian boxer, who now trains alongside Joshua, praised the former champion’s improvement and work ethic.
“We will support AJ in training. In my opinion, Anthony Joshua can beat Tyson Fury,” Usyk told BBC Sport.
“Fury is an incredible and dangerous fighter, but I’ve seen how Anthony has improved and changed. I like Fury very much, but I want Anthony to win because I believe he deserves it,” he added.
Joshua is scheduled to return to action on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in a fight viewed as preparation for a possible bout with Fury later in the year.
Fury, who recently defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, is also expected to fight again in August as negotiations for the Joshua showdown continue.
The “Gypsy King” further revealed his desire for a trilogy bout with Usyk after suffering two points defeats to the Ukrainian. However, Fury insisted any third meeting should take place in either the United Kingdom or the United States, claiming he would not receive fair treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Usyk is preparing for a clash against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in Egypt this weekend. A victory would likely set up a future encounter with WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.