Anthony Joshua is talking. And talking.
But don’t believe any of it, says Frank Warren, Tyson Fury’s co-promoter.
Warren dismisses Joshua’s claim that he has already made an offer to fight Wilder, if Wilder prevails Feb. 22 in his rematch with Fury at Las Vegas MGM Grand on Fox/ESPN pay-per-view. The offer, called a “curveball” by Joshua, would be enough for Wilder to sidestep a potential third fight with Fury.
But Warren says that comment is as believable as Joshua’s offer to be a Fury sparring partner for the rematch. Fury’s camp has been underway in Las Vegas for weeks. Still no Joshua sightings.
“Tyson and Wilder fight on 22 February and the loser has the right to invoke a trilogy fight,’’ Warren told the U.K.’s Metro. “That’s in their contracts. Can things change? Of course, but it’ll be expensive to do that. And I mean really expensive.
“Whatever this fight makes, Joshua will have to match it to get the loser to step aside. That will be millions upon millions. But to talk now all glib about a curveball offer is rubbish.”
Warren says Joshua already faces a busy 2020, including a possible mandatory title defense against Kubrat Pulev.
“It’s more difficult now to do a heavyweight unification fight than ever before,’’ Warren said. “Wilder and Tyson are tied into two fights, Joshua has his mandatories.
“Joshua knows full well he’s talking nonsense. Is he trying to con the public? He’s certainly playing dumb. Joshua will say anything at this stage. Why did he say he’d go spar with Tyson? He never had any intention of doing that either.’’
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Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev is another step toward reality, according to a report. The IBF has extended the deadline to Jan 31 for its heavyweight titleholder and mandatory challenger to reach a deal before it goes to purse bid, according to ESPN.com.
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