John Fury believes that Joe Joyce poses the biggest threat to his son Tyson Fury, rather than Oleksandr Usyk.
Both Joyce and Usyk watched at ringside as Fury retained his WBC heavyweight world title with a 10th round stoppage victory over Derek Chisora in their trilogy bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Usyk, who holds the IBF, WBO and WBA ‘super’ heavyweight titles approached Fury at the ring apron after being called out for an undisputed heavyweight title battle, before WBO interim titlist, Joyce called for his own shot at ‘The Gypsy King’ joining his rivals at the ring apron.
“Joe Joyce poses the biggest threat,” John Fury told Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel.
“He’s a big strong man. He can keep the pace going. He’s got a brilliant engine and Tyson has got to be on his best boxing to win.
“If he comes in at 98% against Joe Joyce, then Joe Joyce will win the fight.
“But if it’s Joe Joyce, we will adapt a plan for Joe Joyce. We will train for Joe Joyce and Joe Joyce will succumb like the rest of them to the Gypsy King, Tyson Fury.
“But if they want it, they can have it. Why not? Good luck to him.”
Usyk, 35, who has not fought since retaining his belts with victory over Anthony Joshua in their rematch in August, was unfazed as Fury taunted him in front of a packed out London stadium.
The Ukrainian former undisputed cruiserweight world champion is likely to be the Brit’s next challenger in the early part of 2023, in a showdown which would crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis and a maiden four-belt holder.
“At the end of the day, I can’t see him getting beat,” John said.
“I saw Usyk at the side of the ring, he’s just too small.
“I know he’s a great little fighter, but a good big ‘un will beat a good little ‘un.”
