Anthony Joshua makes feelings clear on Tyson Fury not wanting legacy boxing fights ahead of Otto Wallin clash

Anthony Joshua makes feelings clear on Tyson Fury not wanting legacy boxing fights ahead of Otto Wallin clash

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 19/12/2023

- 12:45

The Gypsy King has been accused of choosing straightforward opponents in recent years

Anthony Joshua feels Tyson Fury thinks he's 'bigger and better' than legacy fights at the current moment in time.

However, the Briton has denied there's any frustration as his showdown with Otto Wallin creeps closer.


Joshua is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as he looks to win the showdown in the Middle East on December 23.

Wallin won't be straightforward, however, having previously dealt big damage to Fury during their fight in 2019.

Boxing news Anthony Joshua

Boxing news: Anthony Joshua has opened up ahead of Otto Wallin fight

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Joshua has now been asked about Fury and the 35-year-old's apparent lack of interest in legacy fights.

Though he's currently due to face Oleksandr Usyk on February 17, Fury has previously admitted he has no interest in unifying the division.

And Joshua, speaking to the Daily Mail, feels his countryman may think he's 'bigger and better' than the rest - therefore feeling no desire to experiment.

"It's not so much frustration because I understand that people can change their views at certain times and certain points in their lives," he said.

"So, maybe at that time in his life he is going through something where he feels that way.

"Then, at another point, before a fight it could mean everything to him.

"So, who knows what people are going through.

"But, everyone is subject to change. At that time maybe he feels he's bigger and better than that.

"It's not a bad thing but he's like I'm above this, I am going to win it anyway.

"As someone who is a high achiever, he's like this is nothing to me.

"So, that's probably how I would interpret his comments. He just sees himself as a high achiever above this."

Joshua was also asked whether entertainment or legacy was of greater importance to him.

The Briton insists he's always cared more about the latter, saying: "Legacy. Legacy means more to me.

"When entertainment wasn't important, I always understood to capture the attention from an entertainment point of view.

"I always had my eyes peeled and did things outside of the sport.

"So, I've always had the entertainment factor but not in a way where I am doing crazy things.

"So, I think I have that side to me but I've also kept my integrity where it's like I actually a fighter away from everything else. Through and through I am a fighter.

"Yeah for me, being a fighter and chasing some sort of legacy, chasing what history means in boxing, what greatness means to the fighting community.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua feels Tyson Fury thinks he's 'bigger and better' than legacy fights

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"That's what I am chasing."

Joshua has recently spent more time focusing on his family than ever before.

Some boxing figures fear the 34-year-old is set to spiral, particularly after defeats to Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jnr in recent years.

Joshua insists he's ready to take the world by storm, however, and is determined to illuminate Riyadh this weekend.

"When you're an athlete, when you first start off, everything is about your sport," he stated. "Everything is about your sport and you are willing to do anything.

"Then as you get older, you have a family and so on.

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"So, a lot can happen meaning your life becomes your priority and sport becomes second.

"It's a natural process. But, [to be successful] you always have to keep your sport first.

"It has to be your job, your work, your passion, your calling in life. You have to keep that as your prime focus.

"Your sport has to be first and your life has to be second. Now, to do this for a long period of time is challenging. It's easier said than done.

"There sometimes when you just don't feel like doing it.

Anthony Joshua boxing

Anthony Joshua wants to leave a legacy behind in boxing as he prepares for blockbuster Otto Wallin showdown

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"You look back and you think 'ah I've done it for such a long time, maybe I need a break.' But, you have to keep doing it.

"You have to have the same passion as you did when you were a youngster, when this sport meant everything to you.

"When it meant the world to you. That's how I still see it now."

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