Tyson Fury has sent a clear message to Anthony Joshua. (Image: Getty)
Tyson Fury has sent a brutal message to Anthony Joshua following his commanding victory over Polish boxer Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Thursday evening. ‘The Gypsy King’ forced his 46-year-old opponent to retire on his stool at the end of round seven at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, with fans in the arena booing the stoppage.
It was an emphatic showing from the former heavyweight champion of the world, who completely outclassed his rival, a fighter who had managed just three wins from his last 10 bouts heading into the contest. Fury dominated the centre of the ring and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself, seemingly planting a kiss on Wach after unleashing a barrage of punches in footage circulating on social media.
His Polish opponent landed a handful of hefty blows of his own, yet was nowhere near Fury’s calibre, with the referee halting proceedings after the seventh round. Attention now turns to Saudi Arabia and Jeddah, where Anthony Joshua faces comeback bout against Kristian Prenga — widely regarded as the warm-up act for the eagerly awaited Fury vs Joshua showdown later this year.
Fury took aim at Joshua during his post-fight interview, yet stopped short of confirming the British rival as his next opponent.
“When it comes to that next fight, whoever it might be, I’ll be ready and sharp,” Fury said after the fight. “I got through my test tonight, lets see if he gets through his test and the biggest test of it all. It’s how big his balls are! I think he’s a big s*******. At Tottenham he never had the guts to get in the ring and face me. If he ever does, I’m not convinced.”
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
When questioned about whether he intended to travel to Saudi Arabia to witness Joshua’s bout against Kristian Prenga, Fury said: “Will I balls! I’m going to face off with my wife. I’m definitely not going to Jeddah, I’m going home to my wife and kids who have been supporting me from a distance.
“I’ve been away in training camp for ten weeks, I was away for four months before that so I’m going to go home and have a rest. I’ll regroup and hopefully the next big fight is signed next week.
Anthony Joshua fights Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia tomorrow. (Image: Getty)
“Wherever we head, f*** knows. Is it gonna be in New York, is it going to be in Ireland, is it going to be in London? Who knows where the fight is going to be? It might even be here in Pattaya.”
Fury expressed genuine admiration for Wach following his unscathed performance, insisting he achieved precisely what he required from the contest while dismissing his detractors.
He said: “100% [He got out of the fight what he needed.] Mariusz is a big tough man, 6ft8, he hit me with some big shots. You always say, in heavyweight boxing you can get knocked out by anybody. People are saying, ‘Why’s he fighting him, he only fought in April?’
“Of course I’m going to fight again, I’ve had one fight in two years. It’s my second fight in two years. I wanted to get the rounds.
“I wanted to be active but it’s not just the boxing in the ring, it’s the build-up, fight week, the press conference, the weigh in, being in the chaning room, the nerves. It’s all a part of being active.”