Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury story on tape: How Brits compare when AJ accepts Gypsy King’s stunning fight offer

TYSON FURY and Anthony Joshua appear finally ready to lock horns after AJ ACCEPTED the Gypsy King’s call for a December clash.

The Battle of Britain Showdown is one that fans have been longing for for years.

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The pair verbally agreed on a two-fight deal for their final year in 2020, but their plans were dashed when Deontay Wilder won an arbitration to fight Fury again.

Joshua has since lost his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world titles to Oleksandr Usyk and was beaten again by the Ukrainian in a rematch last month.

But with Usyk not planning on fighting again this year, Fury is now eyeing a mega dust with Joshua rather than an undisputed fight.

And Joshua said he will be “ready in December” in response to Fury’s public call.

Here, SunSport take a look at both men’s stats in anticipation of a mega showdown.

AGE

AJ has the slim edge when it comes to age.

The Watford-born fighter is 32 but will turn 33 next month, making him just over a year younger than 34-year-old Gypsy King.

EXPERIENCE

Despite taking several years off the ring due to mental health issues, Fury has more experience on screen.

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The WBC champion has fought 33 times yet to be beaten, with 23 of his 32 wins coming by KO.

His controversial draw with Wilder in 2018 was the only blemish on an otherwise spotless record.

AJ has now fought a total of 27 times, losing his undefeated status to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and has also been beaten twice by Usyk since then.

His 22 KO wins is one short of what Fury has managed.

PHYSICALLY

Fury is also a lot taller than AJ – who hasn’t faced much bigger challenges in his career.

At a whopping 6ft 9in, the Gypsy King is a full 3 inches taller than his rival.

And after tipping the scales at 18.12lbs for his win over Dillian Whyte in April, he is 1.6lbs heavier than AJ, who tipped the scales at 17.6lbs following his recent loss to Usyk.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAID

Talk of a fight quieted recently as Joshua focused on Usyk and Fury claimed he was retired after beating Whyte.

But ahead of AJ’s first fight with the Ukrainian, many pundits had their say on who would win the all-British showdown.

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren: “Does AJ have a better jab than Fury? no Is AJ a bigger puncher? I do not think so.

“Does he have a better chin? I do not think so. Does he have the hand speed or footwork of Fury? I do not think so.

“Tyson is so good in every department. When you saw him get up off the ground after that punch [Deontay] Wilder tells you what he’s about.”

Amir Khan: “My opinion and I’ve always said that Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the division. With his skills, he beats everyone with power.

“Nobody expected what he did to Deontay Wilder. If the same Fury gets into a fight with Anthony Joshua, it will always be Fury who wins.

Tony Bellew: “I just think AJ’s style will be completely wrong for Fury. I believe because Wilder has the bigger punch than AJ, but Wilder isn’t technically good enough for Fury to be able to pin him and that’s why he couldn’t land that night.

“Joshua is technically good enough, you’re talking about an Olympic gold medalist, a guy who is technically and fundamentally good.

“He’s got speed, he’s a brilliant athlete, he’s functioning properly.

“I just have a feeling he would come to Fury. Don’t get me wrong, it would have to be within six rounds because anyone who lasts six rounds with someone like Fury loses.

“The guy is such a massive boxer, he can adapt in fights, he’s versatile and he’s just a great fighter.

“It’s a fight that we all want to see and need to see because if boxing is to remain one of the best sports in the world, we need to see the best against the best.”

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