Anthony Joshua says he’d opt for a rematch with Dillian Whyte over a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury if given the choice.
Joshua and Fury were in talks to meet earlier this month, but negotiations broke down with ‘The Gypsy King’ instead defending his WBC heavyweight world title with a tenth round stoppage win over Derek Chisora at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 3.
‘AJ’ is yet to fight since losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in Saudi Arabia in August with his Promoter Eddie Hearn confirming to Pro Boxing Fans on Friday that the former two-time heavyweight world champion is currently assembling a training team, before an announcement is made on his return to the ring.
The 33-year-old was ringside to watch former foe Whyte edge past Jermaine Franklin in November, with the pair on course for a rematch next year seven years on from their first fight which Joshua won by seventh round stoppage.
The Watford man admits ‘The Body Snatcher’ is top of his hitlist ahead of Fury.
When asked on British GQ who he’d fight between Fury or Whyte forgetting belts, Joshua replied: “Dillian Whyte.
“It has to be Dillian Whyte.
“South London, north London. Fury’s good, but he’s a Manchester boy.
“I think Dillian he has more swag in general, but he’s come up short a few times.”
Joshua, who appears to have parted ways with Robert Garcia who trained him alongside Angel Fernandez for his rematch defeat to Usyk, was pictured training in Derrick James’ gym, the base for both unified welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr and undisputed super welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo.
Despite Fury’s unbeaten record and three fights with Deontay Wilder, Hearn believes ‘AJ’ still has an overall superior résumé to his compatriot.
“His [Joshua’s] resume is in a different league than Tyson Fury,” Hearn told Pro Boxing Fans.
Anthony Joshua in the gym training with Derrick James… pic.twitter.com/ky5haZqGiB
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 13, 2022
“Tyson Fury has fought Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder. That’s it in terms of elite heavyweights.
“I know Dillian Whyte was a good fight, but I’m talking about the top, top guys consistently.
“He’s always thrown in a couple of easy fights, whether it’s Tom Schwartz, whether it’s Pianeta, whether it’s Sefer Seferi, Christian Hammer.
“AJ, over the last ten fights, hasn’t.”
