Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.
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Anthony Joshua has criticized Tyson’s Fury career and unfavorably compared how long the two took to challenge for a world title.
Fury started his professional career in December 2008, but it was not until 2015 that he claimed his first belt, against Wladimir Klitschko. It took him 25 fights along the way to reach the Ukranian.
Meanwhile, Joshua fought 16 times over the course of three years before taking a world title.
Joshua even suggested that Fury may be considering retirement.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Fury has been professional much longer than me. He should be looking to retire soon.
“If he wants to cement his legacy, I’m here and ready. I’ve built myself into this position.”
The pair are set to fight in 2021 with the financial details already settled for any clash. However, Joshua is expected to first defend his titles against Kubrat Pulev in December, the same month as a Fury trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder.
“I’ll challenge Fury, I’ll challenge Wilder,” Joshua continued. “These guys aren’t the biggest names that I’ve fought on my record anyway. They are just another heavyweight.
“Look at my record. They are not the best fighters that I have challenged. When they are ready, I’m here to fight.”
The Olympic gold medal winner pointed to his quick career progression as evidence of his superiority over his rivals.
“I came up quick,” he said. “That shows I’m ready. These boys turned professional in 2008 and it took [seven years] to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. He’s on a completely different journey. I want to steam through.
“I haven’t got fear of Fury, whether he’s got a better chin than me, a better jab than me, whether he’s all of this stuff that people say. So be it. Let me go in there and prove myself. Show you who I am and what I can do.”
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