6 months ago
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ANTHONY JOSHUA is sick of “idiot” Tyson Fury disrespecting boxing, is glad Oleksandr Usyk “spanked” him — and still hopes for the chance to punish him himself.
The 34-year-old 2012 Olympic gold medallist was at Wembley on Wednesday to announce his September 21 IBF world heavyweight title shootout with Daniel Dubois.
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GETTYBut he was more interested in reigniting his war of words with the Gypsy King, 35, and accusing the Mancunian of being a stain on the sport.
The Watford hulk was ringside in Riyadh last month to watch Fury get his nose smashed and his dreams shattered, with Usyk being crowned undisputed king ahead of him.
And, instead of offering his heartfelt commiserations, Joshua — usually the mild-mannered diplomat of the noble art — went both barrels.
And he growled at Wembley Arena: “I’m glad Fury isn’t the undisputed champion. I just think he’s an idiot.
“If it was someone else I might think it was a shame.
“I’ve always said he’s an idiot, he’s very disrespectful.
“Not in a way I care but I just feel like he thinks by stepping on other people that makes him feel better.
“I’m in competition with no one. I’m in my own lane but he has to step on people to make himself feel good, and that’s not good.
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“The way he disrespected Usyk, calling him a little rabbit and a middleweight, it’s not good for the sport.
“If I respect you and you respect me we can lift this sport up and people think we are two of the most elite fighters in the world.
“But Fury will step on you and make you look like a guy who’s just walked out of the pub and he’s not on your level.
“Then he goes and gets spanked — he deserves it.” Ukrainian hero Usyk — who has now given up his IBF belt “as a gift to Joshua and Dubois” — triumphed with a split decision after Fury threw away the early rounds, dominated four to seven, but was then bashed up for the final sessions.
Fury was gracious and generous in the immediate aftermath.
But he has since said he was robbed by the officials, the fight was too easy and compared the Olympic gold medal winner and former cruiserweight undisputed boss to a local amateur slugger.
It is that sort of nonsense that has infuriated AJ — who has lost two Usyk decisions graciously — and he hopes Fury’s December 21 rematch and his Dubois bout lead to the warring pair finally settling their differences.
GETTYAddressing Fury’s trash talk, he said: “It’s up to him what he says.
“Usyk is a good fighter, there is no denying it. Just give him his flowers and move on.
“I want him to win the rematch, in a way.
“I don’t mind any more whether he wins or loses. I just want to fight him.
“It’s been dragging on. Fury ducks a lot of people, he doesn’t fight many people, many top-tier people.
“He needs to get on with it and come and fight me and stop wasting my time.
“I don’t want to wait until I’m 40, 41, 42 to fight him.”
GettyHow AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
From humble origins in Watford to Olympic hero, the boxer has made a heavyweight impact in and out of the ring.
Eddie Hearn claims a collision with rival Tyson Fury could be worth a whopping £200million.
The pair’s bitter feud saw them refuse to say a word to each other as they met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has already hinted at when he will hang up his gloves.
And he revealed why his son will NEVER be allowed to box. despite amassing a £215m empire thanks to the sweet science.
AJ enjoys a lavish lifestyle including private jets and a £350k watch.
His career and sponsorship deals have seen him swap his council estate upbringing for a luxury car collection.
London hairdresser Kika Osunde is believed to have swept the KO king off his feet.
But Joshua still lives with his mum Yeta when he is not on the road.
Check out all our latest Anthony Joshua articles.
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