Tyson Fury has made it clear that he remains skeptical about Anthony Joshua ever agreeing to the much‑anticipated British heavyweight showdown, questioning whether his rival truly possesses the bravery required to step into the ring with him. After Fury stopped Mariusz Wach in the seventh round of a low‑key bout in Thailand on Friday, he used the post‑fight interview to jab at Joshua, recalling the British champion’s decision not to face him following Fury’s own victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. Fury’s comments came at a time when Joshua is gearing up for what could be a pivotal tune‑up fight ahead of a possible clash with the Gypsy King later this year. That preparatory bout is set to take place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, where Joshua will meet Kristian Prenga.
The fight is especially significant for Joshua because it marks his first appearance in the ring since the tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends who were traveling with him. The incident has added an emotional layer to his comeback, and many observers are watching to see how he handles the pressure. In the interview, Fury didn’t mince words about his view of the British heavyweight.
"I got through my test. Let’s see if Joshua gets through his test," Fury said, adding a colorful metaphor: "The biggest test of it all is how big his balls are. I think he’s a big s***‑house." He went on to recall the atmosphere in Tottenham, where 70,000 fans were present for his fight against Makhmudov. "In Tottenham in front of 70,000 people, he never had the guts to get in the ring and face me.
Let’s see if he ever does. I’m not convinced," Fury declared.
The champion then turned his attention to his own future plans, saying he hopes the next major fight will be confirmed within the week. He left the venue of the upcoming bout open‑ended, speculating about locations ranging from Las Vegas to New York, Ireland, London, Belfast, and even the very city where he was fighting—Pattaya, Thailand. This hint at a global stage underscores Fury’s desire to keep the fight’s logistics flexible, potentially maximizing worldwide viewership and revenue.
Fury’s recent win over Wach keeps him on track for a possible showdown with Joshua. The non‑televised fight in Thailand was a strategic move for the Gypsy King, who has been careful to stay active after a relatively quiet two‑year period in the ring. He explained that his bout with Wach was necessary to get more rounds under his belt and to experience the full fight‑week routine—press conferences, weigh‑ins, and the mental preparation that accompanies a professional boxing match. "I’ve had one fight in two years.
This is my second fight in two years. Of course, I wanted to get the rounds in. I want to be active," Fury said, emphasizing the importance of staying sharp both physically and mentally. When asked about the possibility of traveling to Jeddah for a fight against Joshua this weekend, Fury was unequivocal: "I’ve been away the last six or seven months.
I’m definitely not going to Jeddah. I’m going home to my wife and kids who have been supporting me from a distance." He highlighted the toll that extended training camps have taken on him, noting that he had spent ten weeks in a training camp followed by an earlier four‑month stint away from home.
The champion stressed the need for rest and family time before committing to another high‑profile bout. The conversation also touched on the broader logistics of a potential Fury‑Joshua clash. Some analysts have floated the idea of staging the fight at Wembley Stadium at an unconventional hour—perhaps 2 a.m.
local time—to accommodate a global audience. While the exact venue and timing remain speculative, the underlying theme is clear: both fighters and their promoters are looking to maximize exposure and revenue, which could involve creative scheduling and location choices. In addition to the main storyline, the broadcast mentioned other upcoming boxing events, such as the Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler matchup and the Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas fight, both slated for a Sunday night on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event. Viewers are encouraged to stream these contests contract‑free via the NOW platform, reflecting the growing trend of digital distribution in combat sports.
Overall, Fury’s remarks paint a picture of a champion who is both confident in his own abilities and skeptical of his rival’s willingness to confront him head‑on. Whether Joshua will eventually accept the challenge remains to be seen, but the buildup promises to keep fans engaged as the heavyweight division continues to evolve. The next few months will likely see negotiations, promotional tours, and perhaps additional tune‑up fights as both men prepare for what could become one of the most talked‑about bouts in recent boxing history.