Anthony Joshua says a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury must happen and insists it’s “in the pipeline”, ahead of Friday’s clash with Francis Ngannou.
Joshua faces former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou over 10 rounds in Saudi Arabia, just over four months on from the Cameroonian’s contentious split decision defeat to Fury.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion has long been on a collision course with ‘The Gypsy King’ and the Watford man vows the blockbuster all-British bout is inevitable.
“It’s the question, the golden question,” Joshua told Good Morning Britain.
“I would say sooner than later.
“It’s in the pipeline. It’s been bubbling for a long time.
“It has to happen.
“We’re with you guys. We’re talking about it. It’s definitely going to happen sooner than later.
“Mark my words.”
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who has been given the resources to bring major events to the region, announced at the Joshua-Ngannou press conference his intention to match the winner with the victor of the undisputed heavyweight title fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, which is set to take place on May 18.
Asked if there had been serious conversations on a location and date for a bout with WBC titlist Fury, the 34-year-old replied: “Not in depth like that, but there’s a map.
“For example, someone would say ‘these are the checkpoints’ and if I can complete these checkpoints then Fury’s part of my journey and I’m part of his I’m sure as well.
“It would be silly not to.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said last week that he expects ‘The Gypsy King’ to be in attendance at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, particularly with his brother Roman Fury being on the bill in his fourth professional fight.
‘AJ’ ran into Fury’s father, John on Sunday and despite the pair not discussing a future clash, Joshua remains confident that he would encourage his son to face him.
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“We didn’t actually speak on it, but I believe he does, because as someone that’s in the fight business, it’s just us going to work.
“It’s an opportunity to work and this is what we do for our livelihood.
“I think he’ll more than advise Fury to it’s a great fight, lets see who is the best of Great Britain and for the public it would be amazing.”
