Joshua to Fury: It’s time for you to retire

Anthony Joshua has called out rival Tyson Fury by saying it is time for him to retire.

The pair clash next year in a highly-anticipated mega-fight that would see the winner crowed the undisputed champion and holding all five world title belts between them.

Joshua told Sky Sports: ‘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 IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO champion has enjoyed a fairytale rise to the top of boxing having savoured wins over Dillian Whyte, Wladimir Klitschko Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin and a rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr.

And while the British star is eager to prove his worth by fighting WBC champion Fury and Deontay Wilder, he insists his record proves that he has faced stronger opponents.

‘I’ll challenge Fury, I’ll challenge Wilder,’ he said. ‘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.’

Joshua had a whirlwind year in 2019 as he suffered a shock stoppage loss to Ruiz last summer before winning his titles back in the rematch in Saudi Arabia.