Anthony Joshua wishes he kept his offer to spar Tyson Fury private, though admitted it would be beneficial for both fighters.
On the back of his convincing win in his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr where he became a two-time heavyweight champion, AJ revealed he would be up for helping Fury as he prepares for his own rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
The ‘Gypsy King’ quickly accepted the invitation, and Joshua joked he perhaps shouldn’t open his mouth too quickly in the future.
Asked about his comments by IFL TV, he said: “You know when I look back at some of the s**t I say I think, ‘why did I say that?!’
“So now we’re going to talk about it and give more publicised things to talk about!
“Fury is a world-class fighter and I’m a world-class fighter that is still trying to improve so I can become like an elite-level fighter.
“Sparring Fury is only going to do me good, in my opinion. So I’m never too big for my boots where I can’t learn anymore.
“So that opportunity, for me to spar Fury, is for my own benefit as well.
Tyson Fury has ACCEPTED Anthony Joshua’s sparring offer ahead of Deontay Wilder fight
“And the reason why I thought about it and the reason why it came to fruition for me is because I feel like, if Fury was to win that fight [against Wilder] I think he would be more inclined to fight me next and quicker than Wilder would.”
Fury’s much-anticipated rematch with Wilder is scheduled for February, but Frank Warren told talkSPORT a third fight is likely next summer.
Joshua, though, admitted he is hoping his fellow Brit comes out victorious so he can claim the WBC belt and add to his collection that includes the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles.
“I think if Fury had it, me and him would have got a deal done already now.
“So that’s why I was rooting for Fury to win because I just want to fight and collect my last belt.”
Asked who he thought would win, Joshua said: “If I was a betting man, yeah, I would think that Fury wins. I believe so.”
