Tyson Fury has made it clear that he remains skeptical about Anthony Joshua’s willingness to step into the ring for the long‑awaited British heavyweight clash that fans have been dreaming about. After stopping Mariusz Wach in the seventh round of a low‑key bout in Thailand, Fury used the post‑fight interview to question whether Joshua truly has the "guts" to face him in a high‑stakes showdown.
Fury’s comments were a direct reference to the fact that, despite Joshua’s recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, he has yet to accept a fight against the British champion. The former world champion suggested that Joshua’s reluctance might be more than just a scheduling issue – it could be a matter of confidence and willingness to take on a dangerous opponent. Meanwhile, Joshua is preparing for his own tune‑up fight, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. He will meet Kristian Prenga in what will be his first bout since the tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends.
The Nigerian crash left Joshua shaken, but he has been working hard to get back into fighting shape and prove that he can still compete at the highest level. During the interview, Fury didn’t mince words.
"I got through my test. Let's see if [Joshua] gets through his test. The biggest test of it all is how big his balls are. I think he's a big s***house," he said, adding a colorful British slang phrase to underline his point.
"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 went on to outline his own plans for the future, saying that he hopes a major fight will be signed within the next week. He left the location of that potential bout deliberately vague, mentioning possibilities ranging from Las Vegas and New York to Ireland, London, Belfast, and even Pattaya, Thailand, where he was currently fighting. "Is it gonna be in Vegas?
Is it gonna be in New York? Is it gonna be in Ireland? Is it gonna be in London?
Who knows, Belfast maybe? It might even be here in Pattaya, Thailand!" he mused. The British heavyweight’s non‑televised bout against Wach was a strategic move for Fury, who wants to stay active after a long period of inactivity. He explained that the fight against the Polish veteran was necessary because he had only fought once in the previous two years – a points win over Makhmudov – and needed more ring time to sharpen his skills.
"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.
He emphasized that a fight is more than just the 12 minutes inside the ropes; the whole fight week – the press conference, the weigh‑in, the media obligations, and the mental preparation – is essential for a boxer’s development. Fury also addressed rumors that he might travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to meet Joshua there this weekend. He categorically denied any such plans, stating that after six or seven months away from home, he needed to return to his family in the United Kingdom.
"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 said. Fury highlighted that he had already spent ten weeks in a training camp, followed by an earlier four‑month stint away from home, and now he wants to rest and spend time with his loved ones.
The potential showdown between Fury and Joshua has been the subject of endless speculation. Some analysts suggest that the fight could be staged at Wembley Stadium, perhaps even in the early hours of the morning to accommodate a global television audience. Others argue that a neutral venue such as Las Vegas would provide the biggest financial upside for both fighters. Regardless of location, the bout would likely be a historic moment for British boxing, pitting two of the sport’s most recognizable figures against each other.
Joshua’s upcoming fight against Prenga will serve as a barometer for his readiness. If he can demonstrate sharpness, power, and composure after his time away from the ring, it could bolster his case for a clash with Fury later in the year. Conversely, any signs of rust or hesitation might reinforce Fury’s taunts about Joshua’s lack of courage.
Both fighters have expressed a desire to stay active and keep their names in the public eye. Fury’s decision to fight Wach, despite the low‑profile nature of the event, shows his commitment to staying busy and maintaining his ranking. Meanwhile, Joshua’s choice to travel to Saudi Arabia for a tune‑up indicates his willingness to take on international opponents and keep his profile high.
Fans and media outlets continue to monitor the situation closely. Sky Sports, for example, has been promoting related programming, including live streams of other boxing events such as Edgar Berlanga vs.
Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins vs. Ricardo Salas, to keep audiences engaged while the heavyweight drama unfolds. In summary, Tyson Fury remains unconvinced that Anthony Joshua will summon the bravery needed to accept a fight, especially after Joshua’s reluctance to face him in front of a massive Tottenham crowd earlier this year. Fury’s own schedule, including a recent victory over Wach and a desire to rest with his family, suggests he is carefully managing his career while waiting for the right moment to lock in a blockbuster bout.
Joshua’s next fight in Saudi Arabia will be a crucial stepping stone, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see whether the two giants finally agree to settle the question of who truly has the "guts" to be the dominant heavyweight in the UK and beyond.