Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has turned down an immediate in-ring challenge from rival Tyson Fury following Saturday night’s bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fury, who delivered a dominant and largely uneventful victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, used the opportunity to call out Joshua in front of a live audience. With Joshua seated ringside, the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King” urged him to step into the ring and accept a long-anticipated showdown.
“I want you, AJ… Let’s give the fight fans what they want. The Battle of Britain,” Fury declared, escalating his challenge with a direct appeal for an answer on the spot.
Joshua, however, declined to engage publicly and chose not to enter the ring, a decision that drew mixed reactions from the crowd.
Responding afterward, Joshua dismissed Fury’s approach, accusing him of seeking attention rather than a serious fight arrangement. He maintained that he has never avoided the matchup and remains willing to face Fury—but only under proper conditions.
According to Joshua, discussions for a potential clash must follow formal negotiation channels, noting that both camps have previously failed to reach an agreement despite years of interest.
He emphasized that while he would be ready to fight Fury, even immediately, the process must be handled professionally rather than through public confrontations.
Joshua also revealed that personal matters and a recent undisclosed incident have influenced his current focus, adding that he is carefully managing his return to the ring.
The exchange once again highlights the long-standing rivalry between the two British heavyweights, with the much-hyped “Battle of Britain” still elusive due to repeated breakdowns in negotiations over financial terms, promotional control, and scheduling.
