Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua believes Tyson Fury needs him right – because he views himself as the most financially lucrative option for the ‘Gypsy King.’
Fury, the WBC world champion, had been in serious negotiations to finalize an undisputed fight with WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The Fury vs. Usyk negotiations fell apart after both sides were unable to agree on the monetary terms for the rematch.
Joshua is back in action this Saturday night, when he faces Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in London.
Provided he wins, Joshua is very interested in facing Fury next.
“There is no better time [for me to face Tyson Fury]. Provided the Usyk fight doesn’t happen and he [Fury] doesn’t fight anyone in between, he needs me at the minute,” Joshua told Daily Mail.
Joshua, now guided by veteran trainer Derrick James, is looking to recover after suffering back to back defeats to Usyk.
“I’ve got to fight like I am leaning towards a championship fight. The current champions need to look at me and think he’s a serious contender coming up. So that’s how that feels now. I’m moving in that direction again. I have to fight like I’m heading towards that and I will. So, that’s good,” Joshua said.
Joshua and Fury had a deal in place to collide in 2021. The fight fell apart after Deontay Wilder secured a legal victory to force a trilogy fight with Fury.
“In terms of us, the arbitration was done. That was signed and sealed. I was in training for that fight and it fell through. Then we had this recent one where he gave me a deadline,” Joshua said.
“I was serious about that fight, I took it. I told Eddie yeah lets look at this situation but Fury was like you have this amount of time to get it done. It’s difficult when someone is trying dictate you and put you under that much pressure. But, it is what is it. I understand his frustrations. He wanted to get out but it wasn’t time permitted. Now, I feel like there is no better time.”