Tyson Fury 'Not Interested' in Fighting Anyone Except Anthony Joshua
Tyson Fury's recent comeback victory has significant implications for the heavyweight boxing division. The 37-year-old Gypsy King returned to the ring after a 15-month hiatus, securing a comfortable decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov. He dominated the bout on the scorecards and immediately issued a challenge to his British rival, Anthony Joshua, who was present at ringside.
Fury's return follows two defeats to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, which remain the only losses in his professional career. He has now made it clear that an all-British fight against Joshua is the only contest that interests him.
Fury Dominates Makhmudov and Calls Out Joshua Next
Following his victory, Fury wasted no time in addressing the crowd and calling out Joshua for their long-anticipated bout.
Will We Finally See Fury Face Joshua?
Boxing fans have awaited a Fury vs. Joshua matchup for over a decade, and this year may bring an answer. Negotiations are reportedly underway for the fight to take place at Croke Park in Dublin this September, though no official confirmation has been made.
Immediately after the decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury took the microphone and demanded a definitive response from Joshua.
"I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next. Do you accept?"
Joshua, however, did not confirm whether the fight would happen next and instead accused Fury of being a "clout chaser."
"You aren't going to tell me what to do - I've been chasing you for 10 years," Joshua responded.
It remains uncertain if Joshua will face Fury next or opt for a preparatory fight, especially considering his last bout was against Jake Paul in December. Regardless, a potential clash between these two British heavyweights is expected to dominate boxing discussions this year.
What Next for Usyk?
Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to defend his WBC heavyweight title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on 23 May in Egypt. Verhoeven will be making his boxing return since 2014, while Usyk remains unbeaten in 24 professional fights.
Should Usyk overcome Verhoeven, his subsequent plans are unclear. He recently vacated his WBO title instead of facing mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley and may consider relinquishing other belts to avoid future mandatory defenses.
Wardley remains a potential opponent, and prior to the Verhoeven announcement, many boxing enthusiasts advocated for a fight between Usyk and German boxer Agit Kabayel. Kabayel is undefeated in 27 professional bouts, with 19 wins by stoppage, including victories over Makhmudov and Zhilei Zhang.
What About Wardley and Dubois?
Fabio Wardley is set to defend his WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on 9 May.
Wardley expressed his willingness to face Fury later this year but acknowledged that a potential undisputed heavyweight fight with Usyk would take priority.
He secured the interim WBO title by stopping Joseph Parker in his last fight and remains undefeated with 20 wins and one draw.
Dubois, who suffered a fifth-round stoppage loss to Usyk in his previous bout, aims to return to winning form against Wardley.
Whoever prevails may face the WBO's number one contender next.
Where Does Itauma Fit In?
Moses Itauma, one of the sport's most promising prospects, is eager to face a prominent heavyweight opponent next. The 21-year-old Briton earned an impressive fifth-round stoppage over Jermaine Franklin in March, becoming the first fighter to stop Franklin in 27 fights.
Itauma's team now faces decisions regarding his next steps. His victory over Franklin maintained his status as the number one challenger for the WBO title. If deemed ready, a fight against the winner of Wardley vs. Dubois could be next.
A learning fight appears to be the best option as he awaits a world title opportunity. Itauma has mentioned seasoned contender Filip Hrgovic, who is scheduled to fight Dave Allen in May, as a potential opponent.
In other British heavyweight news, Richard Riakporhe is the new British champion, and Derek Chisora has seemingly reconsidered his retirement plans. Additionally, Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva both suffered losses on the Fury undercard in entertaining bouts, indicating a wealth of options within British heavyweight boxing.
Which Heavyweight Fights Are Confirmed?
- Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois (WBO title)
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven (WBC title)
- Boxing schedule and results 2026
- Watch every Born to Brawl episode
More Boxing from the BBC
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