While it’s true that the heavyweight division is waiting to see what Oleksandr Usyk is going to do next, high-profile boxers need to start making plans with or without him in mind. That’s why Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua fighting each other has been spoken about so frequently in recent months. But while those three wait for one another, others are moving on.
Joseph Parker, the WBO mandatory challenger to Usyk, has decided to take on Fabio Wardley in late October after Usyk refused to commit to fighting him despite being ordered to do so. A fight against Usyk may very well be on the table for Parker if he beats Wardley, but it’s not a guarantee. Parker moving on and fighting a big name has actually drawn public respect from Joshua.
Anthony Joshua praised Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley for fighting each other
AJ posted a message on his Instagram story on Tuesday in which he said he was “proud” of Parker for being a competitor and not waiting around for Usyk. He also gave respect to Wardley, but in the process, he took some big shots at Fury.
Joshua called Fury a “dippy mate“, while finishing his message by saying he will hopefully be back in the ring “‘sooner than later” in order to punch Fury repeatedly and avoid “his flicker jab with ease”.
Joshua clearly wants Fury for his next bout, but The Gypsy King is playing hard to get while waiting for a trilogy fight with Usyk. Fury is technically “retired” and just waiting for the right opportunity. It seems like that means Usyk, Joshua or no one else.
Read the full article here
