Anthony Joshua has weighed in on Tyson Fury’s decision to announce his retirement from boxing following his recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion of the world. Fury, who has held the WBC heavyweight title since 2015, made headlines earlier this month when he announced his departure from the sport after suffering a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Usyk in a highly anticipated clash.
Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, has long been a rival to Fury, with fans and pundits alike eagerly awaiting the long-awaited showdown between the two British giants. Although Joshua and Fury have not yet met in the ring, their rivalry has been the subject of numerous headlines over the years, with both fighters trading barbs in the media.
In a recent interview, Joshua expressed his thoughts on Fury’s decision to retire. While many in the boxing world had speculated that the loss to Usyk would mark the end of Fury’s career, Joshua’s reaction was measured, highlighting both his respect for Fury’s achievements and his personal stance on retirement.
“I think Tyson has had a remarkable career,” Joshua said. “He’s accomplished a lot, and he’s been a true ambassador for British boxing. If this is his decision, then we have to respect it. The sport is brutal, and it takes a lot out of you. But I believe, deep down, that Fury will come back at some point. It’s hard to walk away from the game when you’re at the top.”
Joshua’s comments reflect a thoughtful understanding of the pressures that come with being at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. Despite Fury’s defeat to Usyk, the “Gypsy King” is still regarded as one of the best heavyweights of his era, with wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, and Derek Chisora cementing his legacy.
However, the news of Fury’s retirement has sparked a fresh debate about the future of the heavyweight division. Many fans were hoping for a mega-fight between Joshua and Fury, a battle that has been delayed multiple times due to contract disputes, differing demands, and scheduling issues. Now, with Fury potentially hanging up his gloves, Joshua is left to consider his own path in the sport.
Joshua, who is set to face another top contender in 2025 after his split-decision victory over Deontay Wilder earlier this year, has been actively training for a potential world title shot. He admitted that he has “unfinished business” in the ring and is focused on reclaiming a heavyweight title, regardless of Fury’s future plans.
“The goal is always to be the best,” Joshua said. “It doesn’t matter if Tyson is around or not. My focus is on what’s ahead and who’s next. There are plenty of big names in the division, and I’m going to keep fighting until I achieve everything I want to.”
The British heavyweight division remains one of the most exciting in boxing, with Joshua, Usyk, Wilder, and now rising stars like Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce all competing for dominance. The possibility of a Joshua-Fury clash, however, still lingers in the minds of many, despite Fury’s retirement announcement.
While many are skeptical that Fury will actually retire for good, Joshua remains open to the idea of facing his long-time rival if the fight materializes in the future. “If Tyson decides to come back, I’ll be ready,” Joshua said. “But right now, my focus is on the fighters I have in front of me.”
As the heavyweight division moves into a new era, boxing fans around the world continue to hope for the showdown that has been teased for years. Whether Fury’s retirement is permanent or just a brief hiatus remains to be seen, but Anthony Joshua’s message is clear: his journey in boxing is far from over.
