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Anthony Joshua has explained why he refused to enter the ring after Tyson Fury challenged him following his comeback victory.
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AJ says he was focused on business, not mind games, insisting he would only step into the ring if a contract had already been signed.
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With both heavyweights returning later this month, anticipation continues to build for a long-awaited all-British showdown.
July 15, (THEWILL) — Anthony Joshua has finally broken his silence on the moment that left boxing fans talking.
Despite Tyson Fury’s public challenge after his comeback win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Joshua chose not to climb into the ring.
Now, the former heavyweight champion has revealed exactly why he walked away and why the blockbuster showdown may still be closer than ever.
1. Joshua Refused to Play Fury’s Mind Games
When Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua into the ring after defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, many expected an explosive face-off.
Instead, Joshua stayed outside the ropes.
Speaking to DAZN, the former world champion said he had no interest in creating hype unless the fight was officially agreed, stressing that he would only participate if contracts had already been signed.
2. AJ Says Fury Can Come to ‘His Territory’
Joshua made it clear that he believes the next move belongs to Fury.
“If he wants to come into the ring when I win on July 25th, feel welcome,” Joshua said.
Calling himself “the landlord,” AJ insisted he would not allow Fury to dictate the narrative and preferred to welcome the Gypsy King on his own terms rather than be drawn into a publicity stunt.
3. Previous Negotiations Shaped His Decision
Joshua revealed that past experiences also influenced his choice.
The British heavyweight pointed out that he had previously signed contracts for a Fury fight that never materialised, making him unwilling to get caught up in another verbal exchange without official confirmation.
For Joshua, actions not words—will determine whether the long-awaited clash finally happens.
4. He Was There to Study Fury, Not Confront Him
Rather than exchanging insults, Joshua viewed the evening as an opportunity to analyse a potential future opponent.
He admitted he was on a “scouting mission,” carefully observing Fury’s performance against Makhmudov.
According to AJ, he noticed both strengths and weaknesses that could prove valuable if the pair eventually meet inside the ring.
5. The Dream Fight Is Still Very Much Alive
Although Joshua declined Fury’s invitation, the rivalry remains one of boxing’s biggest attractions.
Fury is scheduled to face Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, while Joshua returns to action against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh a day later.
If both men emerge victorious, attention is expected to shift immediately toward a long-awaited showdown, with Wembley Stadium widely tipped as the likely venue.
Joshua’s refusal to step into the ring wasn’t a sign of hesitation it was a calculated decision.
Rather than giving Fury the spectacle he wanted, AJ chose to stay focused on his own preparations while making it clear that only a signed contract would trigger a genuine confrontation.
With both heavyweights set to fight later this month, the biggest clash in British boxing could finally be edging closer to reality.
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury remain on course for one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in modern boxing.
