Tyson Fury: ‘Anthony Joshua has found his level and his legacy is in tatters’

Tyson Fury has claimed that Anthony Joshua’s legacy ‘is in tatters’ after his defeat against Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday in Jeddah.

Joshua faced Usyk for the second time after losing his world titles to the Ukrainian last September, and was outpointed once again as he lost a split decision.

Many observers felt that Joshua gave a better account this time around as he narrowly failed in his pursuit of becoming a world champion for the third time, but Fury was far from impressed and believes his rival’s career is currently at a crossroads.

‘I see [Anthony Joshua’s legacy] as in tatters at the moment! Tatters!’ Fury told talkSPORT on Wednesday morning.

Saturday’s heavyweight rematch went the distance, although both men were hurt at various stages in the fight.

Joshua enjoyed his best round in the ninth when he backed Usyk to the ropes and unloaded punches on his opponent as he tried to force a stoppage.

However, Usyk responded well to finish the bout strongly as he picked Joshua off in the final rounds to seal victory.

Fury felt the contest lacked excitement, though, and aimed another dig at Joshua by stating that another loss shows the Olympic gold medalist is just short of being an elite fighter.

‘I’ve seen more excitement in Morecambe on a Friday night… Without being disrespectful to Joshua, he’s found his level.

‘He’s lost three of his last five, so clearly he’s come up wanting at a high level,’ Fury said.

Fury now looks set to take on Usyk in a fight that will crown an undisputed champion in the heavyweight division, while Joshua has said that he wants to return to the ring before the end of the year as he looks to rebuild after his latest setback.