Tyson Fury has responded to Anthony Joshua’s brutal KO of Francis Ngannou, insisting that he wins if the pair meet.
The ‘Gypsy King’ was ringside watching on as AJ took on Fury’s former opponent Ngannou, with huge stakes as he looked to cement his plan to challenge for the world titles again.
Joshua left Ngannou unconscious in the second roundCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Incredibly, Joshua exceeded even his expectations with a highlight-reel stoppage of the ex-UFC champion having already dropped him twice.
He splattered his rival on the canvas, who was left out cold, with paramedics storming the ring in a bid to check Ngannou was okay.
After climbing to his feet, attention turned back to Joshua’s incredible display which leaves him back in a promising position.
AJ welcomed a fight with the Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk winner in his post-fight interview.
In response, Fury said on the DAZN broadcast, after watching on from ringside: “I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that. I had a s*** performance against Ngannou.
“AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand, if he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.
“There is quite a long way to go, fantastic performance from AJ but I have bigger fish to fry.”
“If we are both still available after my two fights with Usyk, let’s get it on.
Fury was quick to call out JoshuaCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“He has to keep active and maybe he can fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF belt.”
“Once I’m done with the rabbit, I’ll take on AJ.
“Hopefully, we can do one in Saudi Arabia and one at Wembley!”
Fury’s prediction came after talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver praised AJ as the best heavyweight in the world.
“I put my neck out earlier by saying he was best in the era but I believed in what I said,” Oliver said in an excited outburst.
“But I believe there he has shown that he is the top of the division. That right hand was truly devastating.
“Joshua showed his class, he didn’t jump in too early like the Ruiz fight. He learned from his mistakes and showed why he is a two-time world champion.
“And I believe right now he is the best heavyweight in the world, Tyson Fury he beats him.”
AJ wants to see Ngannou keep boxingCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Fury meanwhile now has a big challenge on his own hands as he is set to meet Joshua’s former conqueror Usyk in the ring.
Fans will now be hoping that the pair can continue their progression, so they can finally settle their all-British feud.
Joshua now will have a whole host of options, but will search no doubt for the best route to becoming three-time heavyweight world champion.
But things are certainly hitting a new pinnacle for the Watford native, who will now have a target on his back for the duration of 2024.