Tony Bellew issues direct challenge to Tyson Fury after retirement with Anthony Joshua message
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Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua to knock out Tyson Fury if the two British heavyweights ever meet in the ring, despite believing AJ is not the superior boxer.
The bold claim comes just weeks after Fury announced his retirement following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking to Fightlens, Bellew insisted Joshua has the power to stop the recently-retired 'Gypsy King', even though he rates Fury as the better overall fighter.
The potential matchup between the two British stars has long captivated boxing fans, though multiple attempts to arrange the fight have fallen through.
"I've always said it and I'll stick by it," Bellew told Fightlens. "I think Anthony Joshua will be forced to let his hands go, and he'll knock out Tyson Fury."
Tony Bellew is backing Antony Joshua to beat Tyson Fury
PAThe former cruiserweight champion drew parallels with his own career experiences.
"Do I think he's the better fighter? No. But not always the better fighter wins," Bellew explained.
"I've been in fights myself where I've beaten fighters better than me, like David Haye. I beat him twice, but he's a better fighter than me. Styles make fights."
The long-awaited clash between Joshua and Fury came closest to materialisation in 2021.
A two-fight deal in Saudi Arabia appeared to be confirmed at the time.
However, the plans collapsed when Fury was required to fulfil a contractual obligation for a third fight with Deontay Wilder.
Fury would go on to win the trilogy bout against Wilder.
Joshua's subsequent loss to Oleksandr Usyk, surrendering his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles, further complicated efforts to make the fight happen.
Tyson Fury announced his retirement from boxing this month
PAMore recently, Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh had suggested a potential Joshua-Fury showdown for 2025, before Fury's retirement announcement.
Fury's retirement announcement earlier this month followed his second defeat to Usyk, sending shockwaves through the boxing world.
The 'Gypsy King' has previously announced retirements - after beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, and again in 2017 and 2022.
Joshua, meanwhile, has shown resilience in rebuilding his career following the Usyk setbacks.
AJ secured impressive victories against Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin and Francis.
However, his momentum was halted by a loss to Daniel Dubois last year.
Many believe Fury could return to the ring despite his retirement, particularly if the financial and competitive incentives prove appealing enough.
Bellew's confidence in Joshua stems from his analysis of the fighters' contrasting styles.
While acknowledging Fury as a technical master who has dominated top heavyweights, Bellew sees potential in Joshua's approach.
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Daniel Dubois thrashed Anthony Joshua in their fight in SeptemberPA"Fury might be the better fighter on paper, but Joshua has the tools to force an outcome," Bellew explained.
The former champion emphasised the importance of stylistic matchups in boxing.
"Styles make fights, and AJ has the power and determination to cause an upset," Bellew added.
Joshua's disciplined approach and power-punching ability could prove troublesome for Fury, according to Bellew's assessment.
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