‘I’m ready’ – Anthony Joshua ACCEPTS Tyson Fury’s offer for an all-British heavyweight blockbuster in December

ANTHONY JOSHUA stunned boxing by accepting Tyson Fury’s offer of a Battle of Britain fight in December.

Joshua, 32, suffered the third professional loss of his career against Oleksandr Usyk last month – his second straight defeat against the Ukrainian.

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Fury demanded a £500MILLION Unchallenged showdown with the Ukrainian in the episode.

However, as that seemed unlikely this year, he turned to longtime rivals AJ instead.

The mischievous Gypsy King teased AJ by posting on social media, “I want to give you an opportunity to fight for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship.”

And the Watford hero tweeted in response: “Yes, calm. I’m not doing the online discussions just for clout, so if you really care, shout. I will be finished in December.”

Many thought Fury’s offer was little more than an opportunity to attack his longtime rival.

The Morecambe giant knows he’s unlikely to achieve an unchallenged decision victory with WBA, IBF and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk until early 2023.

Ukrainian genius Usyk wants to rest with his family after beating AJ for a second time last month.

So Fury, 34, is keen on a UK show in December to keep the money rolling.

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Fury can pick any of the WBC’s top 15 contenders. And he said to Joshua, “You’re coming off a 12-round bout, so you’re fit for the match.

“I’ll give you a couple of months’ notice. So if you’re interested, I’ll send you the date and we can bang around.

“A Battle of Britain for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship.

“Let me know if you’re interested. If not, I’ll choose another opponent.”

There are still a number of hurdles to overcome in a fight that has been the best part of five years.

Former champion Joshua, 32, is now locked into a long-term exclusive broadcast deal with streaming app DAZN, while Fury is at rivals BT Sport.

And AJ’s back-to-back defeats to Usyk mean his stock has never been lower.

That would leave a gleeful Fury as the No. 1 attraction – and take home the lion’s share of anyone’s wallet.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has already confirmed his star attraction Joshua will enjoy a couple of recovery bouts before taking on another dangerous opponent.

And anyone training for a shot at Fury needs a few months of sparring with someone close to his 6ft 9in, 19th frame and switch hitting style.