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Home » Anthony Joshua: UK super-fight depends on Tyson Fury’s weight and performance

Anthony Joshua: UK super-fight depends on Tyson Fury’s weight and performance

‘AJ’ has long stated a battle with his fiercest UK rival is in his short-term plan, although Fury’s out of the ring problems and excessive poundage have put a halt to negotiations for the time being.

Fury would need to lose a few stone in order to compete with Joshua, although the unified king believes the clash can be sold on how his nemesis performs upon his return to action.

“What was his (Fury’s) fighting weight — 18 stone (114 kilograms)? Even if he comes back at 22 stone, (George) Foreman came back bigger when he was in his prime,” Joshua told AP.

“If he wants to fight and gets his licence at 30 or 40 stone — if he wants to get in the ring and he shows he can move about and control that weight, people will watch him.

“But if he comes back at that weight and he’s getting into trouble against journeymen, then people won’t be interested. So it’s how he performs at his new weight.”

Joshua is putting together final preparations for his latest mandatory defense against Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday in a latest bid to cement his position as the number one at 200 pounds plus.

In stark contrast, Fury remains on the shelf and out of action until the 28 year-old can secure a recognized license to fight in 2018.

A strained relationship with the British Boxing Board of Control recently led Fury to announce his intention to fight outside the UK jurisdiction, something that could take a fight with Joshua abroad.

Headlining in Las Vegas has long been an ambition of Joshua’s, although promoter Eddie Hearn would certainly want any Fury fight to take place at Wembley Stadium in order to fully maximize the event.