Anthony Joshua wants to fight Tyson Fury but expects Oleksandr Usyk to win their undisputed fight

16/01/2024 11:45

Anthony Joshua is rooting for Tyson Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk so they can finally put on an all-British blockbuster for the fans.

'The Gypsy King' will put his WBC title on the line in the hopes of winning Usyk's WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight belts at 'Ring of Fire' in Saudi Arabia on February 17.

Whoever wins will become the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history and will also walk away with a new belt made to mark the occasion.

The winner could move on to a fight against Joshua or former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after they clash at 'Knockout Chaos' in the Middle Eastern country on March 8.

AJ expects to beat Ngannou, and then be matched with Usyk again.

The Ukrainian famously outpointed Joshua and took his three heavyweight titles in September 2021 before repeating the feat 11 months later.

“It’s going to be a good fight,” Joshua told Sky Sports on Monday.

“I think Usyk edges it. I’m not really bothered. I just want them both to be healthy and leave the ring. It’s a tough game. So that’s all I can ask for, that they leave the ring healthy.

“In terms of how it goes, it doesn’t affect my life, in a way. I’m not like one of those fans that starts crying because someone won or lost.

“It is what it is. Tomorrow comes around. Good luck to both of them.”

For Joshua, a long-awaited showdown with Fury is the preference, even though he expects Usyk to become the first man to beat his compatriot next month.

He added: “Probably the opportunity to fight Tyson Fury.

"I think that’s a better fight for the fans and myself."

Fury vs Usyk has a two-way rematch clause. So, even if 'The Joker' emerges victoriously from 'Ring of Fire' he'll have to beat Fury again before a potential trilogy fight with Joshua can take place.

In the meantime, Joshua is expected to target the IBF title, which is set to be made vacant when Fury and Usyk confirm they'll rematch rather than face mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic.