Tyson Fury has warned Anthony Joshua that he is 'way down the ladder' in potential opponents following his two-fight deal with Oleksandr Usyk.
The delayed unified heavyweight contest between Fury and Usyk will finally take place on May 18 after the Gypsy King was forced to delay the fight after suffering a cut to his eye.
It's the first time this century that all heavyweight belts will be on the line in a historic event to be hosted in Saudi Arabia.
A rematch between them both will then take place later this year, although the winner will supposedly have to vacate the IBF belt.
Tyson Fury will fight Oleksandr Usyk twice this year
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It likely means Fury's next opponent after Usyk won't come until 2025 with many expecting him to finally get in the ring with Joshua.
The two-time heavyweight champion has been on the comeback trail since losing his belts to Usyk in back-to-back defeats.
But Joshua impressed in 2023 with three victories before a frightening knockout win over Frances Ngannou earlier this month.
Eddie Hearn has talked up the prospect of Joshua taking on Fury with the hope of two fights between the two British heavyweights.
However, Fury believes Joshua's two defeats against Usyk put him 'way down the ladder' for prospective opponents.
"Me and Usyk is the biggest fight of the century," Fury told The Stomping Ground.
"He's undefeated, I'm undefeated and no fight is bigger than that.
"I know people are trying to get their foot in the door to try and get a fight with me.
Anthony Joshua wants to take on Tyson Fury
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"But when I beat Usyk, I will be the undisputed champion and then I'll fight him again."
He added: "Let's not forget, Usyk beat the other fella twice in a row.
"That puts him way down the ladder, nowhere near. Do you understand?"
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Anthony Joshua brutally knocked out Francis Ngannou earlier this month
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Fury isn't giving a possible fight against Joshua any thought as he doesn't want to take his mind off a difficult challenge against Usyk.
"Boxing is one of them things where you can go in there and knock them out the ring," he added.
"How would I underestimate an absolute beast? He's an absolute killer. He's a bad man Usyk.
"How would you underestimate him to be looking at a guy who he's already beat twice? I don't think you'd do that."
