Anthony Joshua believes Tyson Fury has not ‘progressed as him’ at heavyweight level
- Anthony Joshua feels that Tyson Fury has not been made the progress that he has made
- Fury turned professional in 2008 while Joshua made his debut in 2013
- Joshua and Fury are looking to a mega unification bout in 2021
- Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Anthony Joshua believes Tyson Fury has not ‘progressed as him’ at heavyweight level.
Joshua has taken the latest swipe at heavyweight rival Tyson Fury as the war of words between the two boxers continues.
Joshua claimed that the Gypsy King has not ‘progressed as quickly’ as he has up the professional ladder.
Joshua and Fury have a two-fight financial agreement in place for next year provided they can overcome bouts before that, with Joshua set to face mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev before the year is out and Fury needing to beat Deontay Wilder in a trilogy fight.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Joshua said:
‘Remember, he [Tyson Fury] was a heavyweight well before my time. He turned professional in 2008. That was the year I had my first amateur fight!’
‘I never thought I would catch up to Fury. He was never someone that was on my radar. So I’ve never known Tyson until I turned professional and started barking at the heels of these heavyweights who were docile.
‘I started bringing some heat. Now they became relevant in my life. My relationship with Tyson is only because I progressed as quickly as I did, and he didn’t progress as quickly. He’s had two good wins – against Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko.
‘Over a long period of time, a career that has spanned 12 years, I would have liked to have seen him in some more challenging competitions. But he knows what is right for him, and I know what is right for me.
‘As a fighter, he has done what he needs to do to be in the position he is in today, so good luck to him.’
Joshua, 30, first fought professionally in October 2013, having won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London, while Fury fought professionally for the first time in December 2008.
