Anthony Joshua has labelled Tyson Fury a “diva” and insists he would be too fast and strong for his rival.
A long-awaited, all-British bout between Joshua and Fury has failed to materialise on more than one occasion, the last being in October 2022, when the pair couldn’t come to an agreement for a December showdown.
‘AJ’, who faces Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia next Saturday, believes he is capable of knocking out ‘The Gypsy King’.
“[He’s a] diva,” Joshua told TNT Sports when asked about Fury.
“[I would be] too quick, too strong, can’t lean on me, can’t throw people about and I’m explosive.
“I can knock people out. I knock a lot of people out.”
The 35-year-old is set to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia on February 17.
Fury climbed off the canvas to secure a contentious split decision win over former UFC heavyweight champion and debutant, Francis Ngannou in October, a display Joshua has criticised.
“He just looked like a fat slob that can’t fight,” he added.
“He says that bodybuilders can’t fight, but he got smacked up by one.
“I think Ngannou won.
“But the judges are there for a reason, they score it how they score it and they’re professionals at what they do and I’m just an observer.
“Fury won, but from a fan’s point of view, I think Ngannou won.”
Joshua is on course to face Deontay Wilder providing he beats Wallin and ‘The Bronze Bomber’ overcomes Joseph Parker on the same card, with ESPN’s Mike Coppinger reporting that the pair have agreed to a March 9 date in Saudi Arabia, providing both men come through their bouts unscathed.
The Watford man fights for the third time this year following victories over Jermaine Franklin in April and Robert Helenius in August.
Ben Davison, a former coach of Fury, will lead Joshua’s corner against Wallin, although the 34-year-old is expected to return to Texas with Derrick James who has been in his corner for his last two fights.
