AJ Refuses to Commit to Fury Fight After Public Call-Out

Anthony Joshua has stated that he will likely face Tyson Fury in his next bout, but he is unwilling to commit to the fight immediately after Fury's public challenge. Following Fury's victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he called out Joshua, saying "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let's give the fight fans what they want - the Battle of Britain." Joshua, however, refused to accept the challenge on Fury's terms, stating that he has been chasing Fury for 10 years and will not be told what to do. He emphasized that he is the one in control and will only agree to the fight through official contract negotiations. Joshua clarified his stance in an interview, saying that he is willing to fight Fury but wants to handle the negotiations professionally, rather than in the midst of a crowded stadium. The highly anticipated bout between Joshua and Fury, two of the greatest heavyweights of their generation, has been in discussion for years but has yet to come to fruition. Joshua blamed Fury's approach for the delay, citing his rival's history of retiring and returning to the sport. Joshua has only fought once since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and has been dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident in Nigeria. He maintains that his focus is on his personal life and will only commit to the fight when he is ready. The ball is now in Fury's court, with Joshua stating that if Fury is serious about the bout, he will see him in the ring.