Tyson Fury has made it clear that he remains skeptical about Anthony Joshua ever stepping up for the highly anticipated British showdown that fans have been waiting for. In his remarks after a seventh‑round stoppage of Mariusz Wach in a low‑key bout held in Thailand, Fury hinted that Joshua may lack the resolve to meet him in the ring.
He specifically recalled the moment after his own victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, when Joshua chose not to engage in a direct confrontation. Fury’s comments came on the heels of Joshua’s own preparation for a potential clash later this year. The British heavyweight is slated to travel to Saudi Arabia for a tune‑up fight against Kristian Prenga on Saturday, marking his first competitive appearance since surviving a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends. The bout will serve as a litmus test for Joshua’s readiness and, in Fury’s view, a chance to see whether the former champion truly possesses the "guts" required for a headline‑grabbing duel.
During the post‑fight interview, Fury offered a blunt assessment of his rival: "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 went on to recall the atmosphere in Tottenham, where 70,000 spectators watched Joshua’s win over Makhmudov but, according to Fury, the champion never displayed the bravery to step into the ring with him.
"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 said, underscoring his doubt. Fury also hinted at the logistical possibilities for a future showdown, suggesting that the fight could take place in a variety of locations: "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 emphasized that the timing and venue would be determined by the negotiations and the desire to accommodate a global audience, even if that meant a late‑night start at Wembley. The British heavyweight’s own schedule, however, appears to be focused on recovery and family. At 37, Fury explained that he will not travel to Jeddah for a fight this weekend, opting instead to return home to his wife and children after an extended period away from his domestic base.
"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, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in elite boxing.
Fury’s recent activity in the ring has been limited. Prior to the Wach bout, he had not fought for over two years, making the Thai fight his second appearance in that timeframe. He stressed the importance of staying active, not only for the physical conditioning that comes from the rounds themselves but also for the ancillary aspects of a fight week—press conferences, weigh‑ins, and the mental pressure that builds around a major event. "It’s not just the boxing in the ring.
It’s the fight week – the press conference, the weigh‑in, the nerves, everything," he explained. Beyond the immediate rivalry, the broader heavyweight landscape is in flux. Joshua’s upcoming clash with Prenga will be closely watched for signs of his form after the traumatic car accident, while Fury continues to position himself as the gatekeeper for a potential megafight that could generate billions in revenue and capture worldwide attention. Both fighters have expressed a desire to fight on a stage that maximizes exposure, whether that be Las Vegas, New York, London, or an unconventional venue like Pattaya.
The speculation surrounding a Fury‑Joshua showdown has also sparked discussions about the business side of boxing. Promoters are weighing the benefits of a night‑time start in the UK to cater to European audiences against a prime‑time slot in the United States that would attract higher pay‑per‑view numbers. The logistical challenges of coordinating broadcasters, sponsors, and venue availability add another layer of complexity to an already heated rivalry. In the meantime, fans can catch other high‑profile bouts on Sky Sports, such as Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas, both airing live from New York.
The network also offers a contract‑free streaming option through its NOW service, allowing viewers to watch boxing and other sports without a traditional subscription. Overall, Tyson Fury’s recent comments underline his belief that Anthony Joshua still needs to prove his willingness to take on the biggest challenge of his career. Whether Joshua will rise to the occasion in his Saudi Arabia tune‑up or whether Fury will finally secure a contract for a blockbuster clash remains to be seen. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative of the heavyweight division, and both camps appear ready to capitalize on any momentum they can generate, whether that leads to a fight in Vegas, New York, London, Belfast, or an unexpected venue in Thailand.