Anthony Joshua throws down challenge to Tyson Fury
British-Nigerian heavyweight star Anthony Joshua has opened the door to a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, saying his fellow Briton is welcome to step into the ring for a face-off after his comeback bout on July 25—provided he defeats Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga.
Joshua will make his return to the ring in Jeddah against Prenga, who heads into the contest with a professional record of 20 wins and one loss.
The former two-time world champion made the comments months after Fury ended his 16-month retirement with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April. Joshua attended that fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but declined to take part in a post-fight face-off with Fury because no formal agreement had been reached for a future clash.
Fury is scheduled to fight 46-year-old Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24 before travelling to Saudi Arabia to watch Joshua's bout, raising the possibility of a first official face-off between the two heavyweight rivals.
Speaking to DAZN, Joshua made it clear he would welcome Fury into the ring after a successful outing against Prenga.
"If he wants to come in, Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37, have yet to finalize a date or venue for their highly anticipated all-British heavyweight the ring when I win on July 25, feel welcome," Joshua said.
"Come into my territory. I am the landlord. I am going to welcome you into my home. You do not welcome me into your home."
Joshua also explained why he chose not to engage in a staredown with Fury following the latter's win over Makhmudov.
"I have been in that position before where I have signed contracts with Fury, so I did not play into the games," he said.
"I was there on a scouting mission. I wanted to see what my future opponent was going to look like, and I saw a lot. I saw some good, and I saw some vulnerabilities in there."
Despite years of speculation, Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37, have yet to finalize a date or venue for their highly anticipated all-British heavyweight clash.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is reportedly still keen to stage the blockbuster in Saudi Arabia, with a later start time to accommodate the American television audience. However, Las Vegas and New York have also emerged as potential hosts.
London is understood to be unavailable due to licensing restrictions, while Cardiff's Principality Stadium is reportedly no longer under consideration.
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