Tag: Anthony Joshua

Joshua To Defend Heavyweight Titles Against Usyk In London

In this file photo taken on December 12, 2020 Britain’s Anthony Joshua (R) lands a punch on Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev (L) during their heavyweight world title boxing match at Wembley Arena in northwest London on December 12, 2020.  ANDREW COULDRIDGE / POOL / AFP

 

British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, will defend his World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on September 25, his promoter announced on Tuesday.

Joshua was set to fight compatriot Tyson Fury in a unification bout in Saudi Arabia in August but that contest was scuppered when a United States arbitrator ruled World Boxing Council champion Fury must defend his title against Deontay Wilder.

That trilogy contest was scheduled to take place this weekend but has instead been delayed to October 9 in Las Vegas after Fury tested positive for the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Joshua will now fulfill his mandatory WBO title defence in London, in what will be the first boxing event staged at the new home of Tottenham Hotspur football club.

Victory could pave the way for a ‘super-fight with Fury, provided his compatriot sees off American boxer Wilder in their third meeting after a December 2018 draw was followed by a February 2020 seventh-round technical knockout for the Briton.

By taking on Ukraine’s Usyk, a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion, Joshua will be facing a fellow London 2012 gold medallist.

Joshua was the Olympic champion in the super-heavyweight category at those Games, with Usyk topping the podium in the heavyweight division.

“The date is set and we are fully locked in,” said Joshua in a statement issued by Matchroom Sport.

“I put it all on the line again and it’s time to defend my crown. We are two Olympic gold medallists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges.”

Usyk has won all 18 of his professional contests, 13 inside the distance, but only two of those bouts have been as a heavyweight.

“The path will be mastered by the walking one,” said Usyk, who at 34 is three years older than Joshua.

The British boxer, defeated just once in 25 professional contests, had been scheduled to fight Kubrat Pulev at Spurs’ home ground in June of last year but the Covid-19 pandemic saw the contest switched to Wembley Arena in December 2020, with Joshua enjoying a ninth-round knockout win.

Only some 1,000 fans were able to witness that fight live but Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said he was expecting a crowd of more than 60,000 at the 62,850 capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Olympic gold vs Olympic gold, unified world heavyweight champion vs undisputed cruiserweight world champion this one has it all,” said Hearn.

Usyk’s most recent bout came in a points decision win over another British boxer Derek Chisora in October last year.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy welcomed the fight coming to the north London club’s home.

“Anthony Joshua is an icon in the world of sport and to have him fight here in London N17, against a top opponent in Oleksandr Usyk, will be amazing for the area of Tottenham,” he said.

“This event will once again showcase the stadium’s ability to take the hosting of world-class sporting occasions to the next level — we cannot wait for September 25.”

Fury-Wilder Reach Tentative Agreement For Third Fight: Report

(FILES) In this file photo Boxers Deontay Wilder (L) and Tyson Fury (R) face-off during a press conference in Los Angeles, California on January 25, 2020, ahead of their re-match fight in Las Vegas on February 22. World heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder ridiculed Tyson Fury’s punching power on February 11 as the two unbeaten fighters prepare for their eagerly anticipated rematch in Las Vegas.
RINGO CHIU / AFP

 

 

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder have verbally committed to a third fight, ESPN reported Thursday night, days after an arbitration ruling halted fight talks between Fury and British champ Anthony Joshua.

After the independent arbitrator ruled Monday that WBC heavyweight champ Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) must face Wilder, plans for a unification fight between Fury and Joshua were put on hold, said ESPN citing multiple sources.

The Wilder and Fury fight could be held as early as July 24 in Las Vegas, the American sports broadcaster said, adding that August 14 has been set aside as a backup date.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum told ESPN he expects the contracts could be signed in the coming days. Fury would get 60 percent of the purse with Wilder receiving the lower sum.

The heavyweights fought to a draw in 2018 and Fury earned a TKO victory to win the WBC heavyweight title in 2020.

The arbitrator ruled that Fury was contractually obligated to give Wilder a rematch, with retired judge Daniel Weinstein upholding a claim lodged by Wilder that Fury must face him in a third fight by September 15.

While the arbitrator’s ruling is not a formal court order, it will be deemed enforceable by courts if Wilder and Fury are unable to reach agreement.

Monday’s ruling came just a day after Fury announced he had agreed to fight Joshua on August 14 in Saudi Arabia, where the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts will be up for grabs.

Wilder’s camp had also argued their fighter had a contractual right to a third match.

But after delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic led to last July’s contest being postponed, Wilder’s team sought to move the bout to 2021.

Fury refused the 2021 date and said he would move on, prompting the mediation.

Neither Fury nor Wilder have fought since clashing in  February 2020, when Fury outclassed the previously unbeaten American to win via a seventh-round technical knockout.

The two fighters had previously battled to an epic draw in 2018 at Staples Center Arena in Los Angeles after Fury survived a 12th round knockdown.

Fury-Joshua Fight In Jeopardy Over Wilder Rematch Order

 

Tyson Fury’s heavyweight unification fight with Anthony Joshua could be put on hold after an independent arbitrator ruled that the WBC heavyweight champion must face former champion Deontay Wilder in a rematch.

Retired judge Daniel Weinstein upheld a claim lodged by Wilder that Fury must face him in a third fight by September 15 following their February 2020 title battle.

While the arbitrator’s ruling is not a formal court order, it would be deemed enforceable by courts if Wilder and Fury are unable to reach agreement.

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told the BBC on Tuesday he hoped Wilder would, for a lucrative fee, agree to step aside and allow the bout to go ahead.

“Until we can reach an accommodation with Deontay Wilder’s people, I can’t say that (Fury’s fight with Joshua) will definitely happen,” said Warren.

“But we are working hard to get that over the line.

“We were talking last night and hopefully we can do that.

“If not then Tyson, if he wishes, will go to the fight with Wilder. They’re the only two options.”

Monday’s ruling comes just a day after Fury announced he had agreed to fight Joshua in Saudi Arabia on August 14 where the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts will be up for grabs.

“Massive announcement FURY VS JOSHUA IS ON AUGUST 14 in The kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The worlds (sic) biggest sporting event all eyes on us,” Fury wrote on Twitter, describing the bout as “100 percent on”.

Weinstein’s ruling on Monday did not grant Wilder any monetary damages and also said an extension to the September 15 deadline was permissible if both the Wilder and Fury camps could reach agreement.

Wilder’s camp had argued their fighter had a contractual right to a third fight with Fury.

But after delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic led to last July’s contest being postponed, Wilder’s team sought to move the bout to 2021.

Fury refused the 2021 date and said he would move on which  prompted the mediation.

Neither Fury nor Wilder have fought since clashing in Las Vegas in February last year, where Fury outclassed the previously unbeaten American to win via a seventh-round technical knockout.

The two fighters had previously clashed at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in 2018, battling to an epic draw after Fury survived a 12th round knockdown.

I Look Forward To Working With Anthony Joshua, Says Mayweather

 

Floyd Mayweather has hinted at his intention to work with the two-time unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua in his coming fight against Tyson Fury. 

The duo appears to have a strong bond after Mayweather was seen showing support for Joshua in his title fight against Pulev, with the British-born Nigerian boxer claiming that the Former welterweight champion gave him some tips to ensure victory against the Bulgarian.

In a podcast interview with Rob Moore, Mayweather revealed he was in regular contact with the champion and was thrilled at the prospect of they working together

“I look forward to working with Anthony Joshua real soon, we communicate all the time, we talk all the time,” he said.

He maintained that Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 was instrumental to the Nigerian becoming better.

“But I think with Anthony Joshua losing a fight, that helped him become stronger,” he also said.

 

 

With both fighters having reached an agreement on a title unification fight on Monday, they are expected to earn £100 million ($139 million) each, with the purse split 50-50 for the first fight and 60-40 for the rematch in favour of the defending champion.

Still speaking on the matchup, the 41-year-old admitted it could go either way while showing respect for both fighters boxing prowess.

“It’s a very intriguing match-up, you can never say what’s going to happen in the sport of boxing. Both guys are great competitors. Like I say, me and Anthony Joshua talk on the regular, so I look forward to working with Anthony Joshua.”

While a date and venue are yet to be confirmed for the title fight, late June or early July looks highly likely for the opening showdown.

 

Joshua, Fury Sign Two-Fight Heavyweight Unification Deal

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on December 14, 2020, shows Boxer Tyson Fury (L) during a press conference in Los Angeles, California on January 25, 2020, and British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua during a press conference in Ad Diriyah, a Unesco-listed heritage site, outside Riyadh, on December 4, 2019. (Photos by RINGO CHIU and FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP)

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed a deal for two all-British world heavyweight title unification fights, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday.

Confirming the agreement, Hearn told ESPN: “The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper.

“But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.”

Hearn said a venue for the fights, in which Joshua’s WBA, IBF, and WBO titles and Fury’s WBC belt will be on the line, is set to be confirmed: “within the next month.”

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According to reports, Saudi Arabia, where Joshua won a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, is the frontrunner to host both fights.

But Hearn told ESPN he “already had approaches from eight or nine sites” across the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe, and America.

“We’d like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month,” he said.

Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are expected to earn £100 million ($139 million) each, with the purse split 50-50 for the first fight and 60-40 for the rematch in favour of the defending champion.

Since avenging a shock defeat to Ruiz, Joshua has defended his WBA, IBF, and WBO titles against Kubrat Pulev in London in December.

Fury has not fought for more than a year since defeating Deontay Wilder in February 2020 to claim the WBC title.

AFP

‘I’d Rather Die In Battle’ – Anthony Joshua Speaks Ahead Of Fury Matchup

 

File photo of Anthony Joshua and Trainer

 

Two-time unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has stepped up the fighting talk and warned Tyson Fury he relishes going to war in the ring as the pair move closer to a heavyweight mega-fight.

With politics threatening the bout from taking place, many boxing fans are still hopeful to see the two champions face off for the undisputed crown.

”I’d rather die in battle, so I can go to the heavens where the warriors lie than go to battle and try to hide and survive,” Joshua said in an interview on his YouTube channel on his mindset ahead of the fight.

”No matter what the tactics are, no matter how much you study, no matter how much you think you can beat me, I’m just there to win. That’s the fighter’s mentality – some people may not understand it,” he said.

He also reiterated his love for boxing despite it being an uncivilised sport.

”This is a sport of combat and war. We’re not civilised people, we’re warriors, and I love it.”

Having won his rematch against the Bulgarian, Kubrat Pulev, the IBF heavyweight champion stated he was willing to avoid making the same errors that cost him the crown in the first place.

”I wear my scars like an honour. I think I’m someone who has to get burnt to learn not to touch the stove. When I got burnt, I said I never want to make that mistake again. Anyone that stands in front of me will feel the force,” he mentioned.

As negotiations proceed on a likely venue for the clash, the 31-year-old’s promoter Eddie Hearn hinted at June being a likely time

”We’ve had big discussions with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore,”he told sportsmail.

”No decision has yet been made on the location of the fight, though the ongoing coronavirus restrictions in the UK mean the chances of the first clash between Joshua and Fury taking place on home soil are extremely slim.”

 

 

 

Confident Fury Says He Will Knock Out Joshua Inside Two Rounds

A photo combination of Tyson Fury and AJ.

 

Tyson Fury said on Monday he can knock out fellow British world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua inside two rounds due to his recent form.

WBC belt holder Fury said following Joshua’s past two bouts — a unanimous points decision over Andy Ruiz Junior in December 2019 and a ninth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev last month — the fight would be a no contest.

Fury gained a unanimous points decision over Swede Otto Wallin in September 2019 before an impressive seventh-round knock-out to take the WBC title off Deontay Wilder last February.

“I don’t believe he’s (Joshua) as good as people crack him up to be, or he doesn’t believe he is in his own self,” Fury told Sky Sports.

“He’s got a confidence issue. He’s coming off two shaky performances and boxing is all about who is in form and who isn’t. On his last two fights, he’s not in form.

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“On mine, I am, so momentum is with me and I just believe take him out early, very early, maybe even one round or two rounds.”

Fury is optimistic the fight, which would be one of the biggest in British boxing history, will take place as soon as possible.

Potential hurdles in the way of the super-fight include Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and another possible meeting between Fury and Wilder.

– ‘One-on-one combat’ –

Fury, 32, said now was the time for Joshua to back up his words by finally fighting him.

“Whenever the world gets back to normal, whatever normal may consist of after this pandemic, then that’s when this fight is going to happen,” he said.

“This fight has been brewing for a long time. They’ve been avoiding me for a long time and now it’s finally got to happen.

“They either run away from the fight and announce it publicly or they take the fight. Either way it’s a lose-lose situation for him.”

Fury believes there is an imperative for the fight to happen sooner rather than later, comparing the bout to the one between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao that finally took place in 2015.

Mayweather won it on a unanimous decision.

“Boxing is one of those sports where rarely do you see the best fight the best,” said Fury.

“It’s always the champion picks his opponents and you never get the two top guys fighting each other.

“We saw the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, we were waiting for that fight for 10 years. When it finally happened, I believe Pacquiao was past his best. It maybe should have happened four or five years earlier.

“So hopefully we get to go one-on-one combat with not only the two best heavyweights out there but two heavyweights who are in their prime and not past it.”

Ogun State Names Street After Anthony Joshua

British boxer Anthony Joshua speaks during the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 09, 2020. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has been the Head of the Commonwealth throughout her reign.
Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP

 

The Ogun State Government has named a street in the Sagamu Local Government Area, after Nigeria-British boxer, Anthony Joshua.

The Council Chairman, Gbenga Banjo announced that the Cinema Road in the council which is also the homestead of the boxer has now become “Anthony Joshua Way” in the local government headquarters

Speaking at the family house of Anthony Joshua along the Anthony Joshua Way in Sagamu on Wednesday, Banjo announced that the decision was made in order to show appreciation to the boxing legend for making Sagamu Remoland and Nigeria great.

The two-time unified heavyweight champion earlier this month retained his world title belts with a ninth-round triumph over his challenger, Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev

Remo Growth and Development Foundation (Remo GDF), congratulated Sagamu Local Government for renaming the popular cinema Road after Joshua.

The Chief Operating Officer, Yemisi Oluwole in a statement on Wednesday described Joshua as a Remo International Ambassador.

While thanking leaders and stakeholders in the state, she called on youths of Remoland to emulate Joshua by being the best in their careers.

The statement read “a call is made to other sons and daughters of Remoland, most especially the youths of Remoland to emulate the virtues of Anthony Joshua by being the best in their chosen careers.

“And also to always be law-abiding citizens and stay away from any acts that can lead to social unrest,” Oluwole said.

‘I’m Ready’: Anthony Joshua Eager For Fury Showdown

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on December 14, 2020 shows Boxer Tyson Fury (L) during a press conference in Los Angeles, California on January 25, 2020. (Photos by RINGO CHIU and FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP)

 

Anthony Joshua has set his sights on a world heavyweight title showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury in June after revealing on Tuesday that he is ‘keen’ for the fight to take place.

Joshua was criticised by WBC champion Fury for not showing enough commitment to the contest after successfully defending his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts against Kubrat Pulev earlier in December.

But the 31-year-old has confirmed talks are underway over the eagerly-anticipated fight.

“I’m ready, I’m keen. The next fight I want is Tyson Fury, for the undisputed championship of the world,” Joshua told Sky Sports News on Tuesday.

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“I’m having direct conversations now with my management team looking at the best way to put a package together for 2021 and hopefully it will be done.”

Joshua has no intention of backing down from the Fury clash, although hurdles in the way of the super-fight include his WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and another possible meeting between Fury and Deontay Wilder.

Asked when and where he expected the fight to take place, he added: “I think maybe June. It needs a bit of time. I promise you conversations and face-to-face meetings are happening with representatives of my team and Tyson Fury’s team.

“The possibilities of it being in this country are down to the pandemic and how that shapes. For me I am not too fussed where it is. I just want the fight.”

Anthony Joshua’s Victory Is A ‘Worthy Christmas Gift’, Says Ogun Governor

A file photo of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. Photo: [email protected]

 

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has congratulated world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, in his title defence against his Bulgarian opponent, Kubrat Pulev in London on Saturday.

The governor in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta said Joshua displayed the “Ogun standard of excellence.”

According to Governor Abiodun, the victory is a well-deserved Christmas gift, adding that the victory will inspire others to do more.

“All of us in the state, irrespective of our religious affiliations prayed for his success. That the feat happened in London, last night can be regarded as a worthy Christmas gift from God and AJ to all of us in Ogun State. God answered us,” he said.

“God still answers prayers. We return all glory to God Almighty for granting our hearts’ desire for our brother, Anthony Joshua, to retain the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.”

Abiodun said the Ogun-born Joshua made Nigerians proud and restored confidence that in spite of the country’s challenges, the nation will overcome.

READ ALSO: ‘I’ll Knock Him Out Inside Three Rounds’: Fury Wants To Fight Joshua Next

The governor also commended Joshua for his determination, hard work, resilience and focus, which he described as virtues ingrained in the DNA of Ogun people.

“May he, continue with the winning streak ad infinitum. My joy is unquantifiable. Our government has always dimensioned sports as not only a unifying factor but a socio-economic imperative.

“He has made us proud by exhibiting these traits and the can-do spirit of Ogun people. On our path, we would provide the necessary incentives to all our ambitious young men and women to become World Champions in all considerable areas of sports, not only in boxing.

The Ogun governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing sports in the state, noting that doing so would pull more people out of poverty and tame insecurity, social strife and crimes.”

“We are poised to fix our stadia, upgrade facilities, train sportsmen and women, motivate coaches and develop talents starting from the grassroots,” the governor added.

 

Joshua Has Great Expectations For Potential Fury Showdown

A photo combination of Tyson Fury and AJ.

 

Anthony Joshua insists a blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury will “bring out the best in me” after his British rival claimed he would beat the world heavyweight champion in three rounds.

Joshua earned a ninth-round stoppage win against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday to retain his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts at Wembley Arena.

After a successful return to the ring in his first fight for 12 months, Joshua immediately found himself thrown into the debate about a mooted all-British showdown with WBC champion Fury.

Amid reports the hotly-anticipated fight is set for 2021, Fury took to social media to say: “I want the fight, I want the fight next and I will knock him out inside three rounds.”

Joshua has no intention of backing down from the Fury clash, although hurdles in the way of the super-fight include his WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and another possible meeting between Fury and Deontay Wilder.

 

Joshua Knocks Out Pulev To Set Up Potential Fury Fight
Anthony Joshua (R) lands a punch on Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev (L) during their heavyweight world title boxing match at Wembley Arena in north-west London on December 12, 2020. ANDREW COULDRIDGE / POOL / AFP

 

“That’s good to hear. At least I can get him in the ring. That’s what we want right? so he’s on the right track,” Joshua told the BBC when asked about Fury’s social media taunts.

“I said he’s talented and he will bring out the best in me. So that’s brilliant.

“I’ve been to his fights, I’ve watched him, so when I fight him it will be good to change those odds and put them in my favour.”

Joshua has a 24-1 career record as he continued to prove his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June last year was an aberration.

READ ALSO: ‘I’ll Knock Him Out Inside Three Rounds’: Fury Wants To Fight Joshua Next

The 31-year-old looked in good form in front of 1,000 fans against Pulev, who took a standing count in round three and was knocked down twice more in round nine.

“I started this game in 2013, I have been chasing all the belts, I’ve been dealing with mandatories, so of course I want a challenge,” Joshua said.

“For me I stuck to what I know best – boxing, looking at where I am going to put my shots and putting them together.

“When they are successful, they are successful, but like I said it is less talk, more action.”

Now attention is turning to the Fury fight and his promoter Eddie Hearn said work would start on completing a deal on Sunday.

“Sometimes there are words backwards and forwards form both camps – I don’t think that’s going to do any good,” Hearn told the BBC.

“We just all want to make the fight. Now is the time. We will start the ball rolling. I don’t think it’s that difficult.

“The crux of the deal I have always said is agreed now in terms of numbers and money splits. There are only some minor details. So there’s no reason we can’t be up and running.”

AFP

‘I’ll Knock Him Out Inside Three Rounds’: Fury Wants To Fight Joshua Next

A photo combination of Tyson Fury and AJ.

 

WBC champion, Tyson Fury is eager to fight British boxer, Anthony Joshua and believes he can win him in three rounds.

“Well there you go everyone,” Fury began in a video posted on his Twitter handle a few hours after Joshua knocked out his mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev, in round nine on Saturday night.

“Anthony Joshua just s*** himself live on television. He got asked if he wants the fight and he went around the bushes and put his a*** in the hedge.
“I want the fight, I want the fight next. I’ll knock him out inside three rounds. He’s a big, bum dosser, I can’t wait to knock him out.”

READ ALSO: Joshua Knocks Out Pulev To Set Up Potential Fury Fight

No Repeat 

In front of 1,000 fans with attendance limited due to coronavirus restrictions, Joshua ensured there was no repeat of a shock defeat in his first clash with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 as the 39-year-old Pulev was swotted aside.

Attention will now turn to the possibility of a much-anticipated clash with WBC champion Fury in 2021.

“I’m up for anything. Who wants to see Anthony Joshua box Tyson Fury in 2021?” Joshua asked the crowd to a chorus of cheers.

“I started this game in 2013 and I’ve been chasing the belts ever since.

“Whoever has got the belt, I would love to compete with them. If that is Tyson Fury then let it be Tyson Fury.”

Pulev had lost just once previously in his career to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014, but was outclassed by Joshua, who could have had victory wrapped up within three rounds.

Joshua Knocks Out Pulev To Set Up Potential Fury Fight
Anthony Joshua (R) lands a punch on Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev (L) during their heavyweight world title boxing match at Wembley Arena in north west London on December 12, 2020.
ANDREW COULDRIDGE / POOL / AFP

 

Twice Pulev was given a count by the referee in round three after he was left flailing on the ropes by an explosive burst of punches from Joshua.

The IBF, WBA and WBO world champion then surprisingly took his foot off the accelerator to allow Pulev to hang in the fight.

But in round nine three uppercuts in quick succession put Pulev back on the canvas and this time he did not get back up in time as Joshua took his career record to 24-1.

An agreement in principle for Joshua and WBC champion Fury to finally go head-to-head has been in place since earlier this year.

“Starting from tomorrow, we make the Tyson Fury fight straight away. It’s the only fight to be made in boxing. It is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.

“I know he (Joshua) wants it. He is the best heavyweight in the world, I promise you. He’ll break him down, he’ll knock him out.”