Tyson Fury has said Anthony Joshua is avoiding him after the WBA, WBO and IBF champion declared that Deontay Wilder is his “number one” next opponent.
Joshua was speaking in the ring following his knockout victory against Alexander Povetkin on Saturday night and said that he didn’t want to talk about anyone other than WBC champion Wilder.
“My number one would be Wilder, let’s not talk about a number two or three,” Joshua said, although the British fighter then added that if Dillian Whyte wanted to fight he is “also more than welcome.”
Immediately afterwards, former heavyweight world champion Fury, who is fighting Wilder on Dec. 1, took to social media to call out Joshua.
“I think it’s safe to say now that not team Joshua or Matchroom will ever fight the Gypsy King. Never,” Fury said in a video posted on Instagram.
“They mentioned if it’s not [Deontay] Wilder it’ll be [Dillian] Whyte, there’s no mention of Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.
“It’s alright fighting men who are 39 years old, half your size. Tonight is pure evidence that I’m fighting the best heavyweight out there in Deontay Wilder.
“Joshua is not even close. He’s slow, methodical, ponderous at times. Powerful yes, but they all are.
“Very, very clear to say ‘avoid me at all costs’. If I was you Joshua I’d avoid me because I would jab your face off, you bum. I’ve never seen a bigger bum in my life.”
Joshua’s next fight will take place on Apr. 13, again at Wembley Stadium, and an opponent is yet to be announced.