Unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion Fury has targeted a clash with compatriot Joshua after a potential unification bout with WBO, WBA and IBF king Oleksandr Usyk was postponed until next year. But Fury’s US promoter Arum has raised doubts over whether Joshua’s team will complete a WBC title fight. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Tyson Fury has taken to social media to challenge Anthony Joshua to a WBC heavyweight title fight in what he says would be a ‘Battle of Britain’. “I really don’t think Joshua’s people want to do the fight now,” Arum said. “Because he’s come off a devastating loss and I think, conventionally, Joshua will need some soft touches to get back into the swing of things. “Our guy, Tyson Fury, wants to fight this year. I tried to see if we could get Usyk this year and obviously they don’t want to do it until February. “We’ll try to get an opponent for Tyson Fury – Joshua or someone else – and make sure he gets in the ring this year. Eddie Hearn speaks. he makes statements in the press and on television, but he doesn’t want – I don’t think – to do this fight.” Arum added: “I’ve been in boxing a long time and the fact that Eddie and Joshua would want this fight is, to me, incomprehensible. Does not make sense. “If I’m wrong and they decide they want it, they know where to find us and call and stop talking to the press and talk to us and see if we can put it together.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Tyson Fury says Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t want to fight him this year, then went on to say he wants to announce a fight next week. Photos courtesy of WWE. But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: “I’m not sure what Bob Arum talked about but I’ve had a number of phone calls with George Warren and email exchanges. The last one was a few minutes ago. “AJ just finished his fight with Usyk. He has a few bumps and bruises, nothing major. “[Frank Warren’s promotional company] Queensberry has the date held on December 17th, and that is the preferred date to do the race. “We’re in ongoing discussions with Queensberry and I guess you’ll be watching it all unfold on social media and various media around the world.” Fury ruled out the December 17 fight date, while posting a new challenge to Joshua on social media. Image: Tyson Fury has issued a new challenge to Anthony Joshua on social media “AJ, I haven’t heard of you at all,” Fury said. “To clarify, there was never an appointment on December 17th. There was only November 26 at Wembley or December 3 in Cardiff. “There was never a date on the 17th. “That’s it now AJ, Eddie don’t be afraid now. Agree to the match and let’s give the fans what they want. “I gave you an incredible deal and an incredible opportunity, so let’s go. Go time. Show time. “And AJ, if you really wanted this fight, you’d say you wanted it, and you’d just do it. November 26, December 3, let’s give the fans what they want. There’s no way out, get the fight.” The biggest fight in women’s boxing history – Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall – is live on Sky Sports on Saturday. Be a part of history and buy tickets for the London clash here.
