Tyson Fury has branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” in a furious social media attack ahead of Joshua’s fight with YouTuber Jake Paul.
Fury has ‘indicated’ he intends to return to the long-awaited British heavyweight bout with Joshua next year, and the 37-year-old gave a scathing assessment of the British rival who shares the ring with Paul in Miami on Friday night.
It will be the former two-time heavyweight world champion’s first fight since he lost by knockout to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024.
“He’s 37 years old at the end of his career and he’s fighting a Disney Channel YouTuber that Tommy (Fury) beat,” Fury said of the showdown between Joshua and Paul.
“Here’s a fun fact: If I ever run into you, I’ll light a spark with you.
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Watch Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul’s public training ahead of their megafight. Paul vs Joshua will be live exclusively on Netflix and included in all plans starting December 20th at 1am GMT
“I’m not a YouTuber or a guy half your height. I’m a guy.
“You’re a classless loser with a 15 month knockout loss to a local lad. Imagine if someone from Morecambe had knocked me out, you useless big time poster.”
“I can’t wait to see the sparks fly when Jake Paul knocks you out, big man.”
Paul’s professional record is 12-1, compared to Joshua’s 24-4, with some notable bouts including a bout with 58-year-old Mike Tyson and a bout with Fury’s younger brother Tommy, his only loss.
Since Joshua left the ring, Paul has fought twice, including against Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., winning both by unanimous decision.
Will AJ-Fury really happen?
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‘Iron Mike’ Tyson looks back on his first professional fight in 19 years against Jake Paul
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren confirmed earlier this week that a fight with Joshua could happen if a “suitable contract” is offered, with plans to take place “sometime in the late summer” of 2026.
Warren told Sky Sports News: “There have been some negotiations and nothing has been signed yet, but Tyson has indicated that if it’s the right deal he’s definitely going to do it.”
“I think we’re moving in the right direction and I hope we’ll have news soon about what’s going to happen.”
“I believe it will happen,” Warren added.
A match between Joshua and Fury, two of the best heavyweights in the world, has been anticipated for years, with constant back and forth between the two fueling the rumors.
