Anthony Joshua reveals the words exchanged between himself and Tyson Fury
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury
Publicity stunt or an actual coincidence?
Anthony Joshua has revealed that Tyson Fury appeared to be concerned about the WBA Champion dropping his belts in upcoming fights when they met in Marbella.
The duo ran into one another on holiday in the Spanish City, and it has been revealed that 'the Gypsy King' initiated a brief discussion about the Olympic gold medalist’s plans.
AJ is set to fight Kubrat Pulev in December and may be forced to fight Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk, which could jeopardize a unification bout against Fury.
Both camps of Joshua and Fury’s have agreed to a two-fight deal, in principle, but have not set a date for their first meeting.
Joshua told Sky Sports: "He said 'Don't lose to Kubrat Pulev!'"
"I said: 'That's something silly to say'.
"He said: 'Have you got to fight Usyk?'
"I said: 'Look Tyson - when me and you can get a fight together, we don't have to worry about Usyk. See you next year'.
The “Gypsy King” himself has the third instalment of his series of fights against Deontay Wilder to get through before he can take on his compatriot in an undisputed clash.
Joshua says that while he did not plan to run into Fury, he knew that a meeting in Marbella was likely and said he was his normal self in the interaction.
"I said hello to Mrs Fury, gave her a wave, and that was it."
Fury & Joshua had an encounter in Marbella
"My immediate reaction? Not much. To just be myself," Joshua said.
"I knew he was coming because I know a few people who know his mates.
"I was walking to the port. What's nice about the situation is that the port is a busy tourist attraction - so it's not like we saw each other on a private golf course.
"We're public people, normal people. I was walking down; he was driving. It was the most likely place to find someone like me or Tyson."
As things stand Usyk is the mandatory challenger to Joshua's WBO belt, but he could slip from that position if he loses his proposed fight with Derek Chisora. That fight should happen in October all being well.
If all things go accordingly for Fury and Joshua, they will meet in at least one fight in 2021, but the most anticipated fight in boxing right now is far from a sure thing.
