Amid the storm of controversy following Tyson Fury’s accusations of cheating against Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua has entered the fray with some choice words for his fellow British heavyweight. Known for his measured demeanor, Joshua broke his usual restraint to deliver a scathing critique of Fury’s behavior after his December 21, 2024, rematch loss to Usyk.

Speaking to reporters during a training session in London, Joshua didn’t hold back. “Tyson needs to shut up and fight like a man,” he said. “He lost the fight—simple as that. Boxing isn’t about crying when you don’t get your way. It’s about stepping into the ring, giving your all, and respecting the result.”

Joshua’s comments reflect growing frustration among the boxing community with Fury’s post-fight allegations. Many feel Fury’s claims of foul play are overshadowing Usyk’s hard-earned victory and damaging the sport’s reputation.

“Tyson Fury is a great fighter, no doubt about that,” Joshua continued. “But great fighters don’t make excuses. They learn from their losses and come back stronger. What he’s doing now is embarrassing, not just for himself but for boxing as a whole.”

Joshua and Fury have long had a tense relationship, with their potential bout being one of the most anticipated yet elusive matchups in modern boxing. While negotiations for a Joshua-Fury fight have repeatedly fallen through in the past, the recent drama has reignited speculation about whether the two could finally meet in the ring.

When asked if he would fight Fury next, Joshua responded confidently. “I’m ready whenever he is. But first, he needs to stop blaming others for his losses and focus on being a fighter, not a complainer.”

Joshua also extended his congratulations to Usyk, who handed him two consecutive defeats in 2021 and 2022. “Usyk’s a class act,” Joshua said. “He beat me fair and square, and now he’s beaten Fury. He’s proven himself as one of the best in the game, and Tyson needs to accept that.”

Joshua’s blunt remarks have struck a chord with fans, many of whom are tired of the drama surrounding Fury’s accusations. On social media, supporters praised Joshua’s straightforward approach and called for a showdown between the two heavyweights.

“Finally, someone said it!” one fan tweeted. “AJ vs. Fury needs to happen ASAP. Let’s settle this in the ring, not in the press.”

Another commented, “Joshua showing class as always. Fury could learn a thing or two from him about taking a loss.”

With Fury’s reputation taking a hit and Joshua throwing down the gauntlet, the stage is set for one of the most explosive rivalries in boxing history to potentially come to a head. Whether Fury will respond to Joshua’s criticism with action—or more words—remains to be seen.

For now, the world of boxing waits to see if Fury will rise to the challenge and face Joshua, setting aside the controversy to prove once and for all who is the king of the heavyweight division. One thing is certain: the drama is far from over, and fans can expect more fireworks in the months ahead.