Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Teofimo Lopez weighs in

On July 25, at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua will make his return to boxing against the little-known heavy-handed Albanian Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs). Joshua looked confident at the launch press conference and will be focused on impressing before moving on to the likely Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury showdown. Various figures in the sport have had their views on who will win should they meet, and Teofimo Lopez is the latest to have his say when speaking on Inside Ring.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury

Will they, won’t they are often the words said when people talk about Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs). The fight appeared close, before AJ was involved in a fatal car crash that took the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

After Fury’s win against Arslanbek Makhmudov, Turki Alalshikh said: “It is the time. Frank (Warren, Fury’s promoter), Eddie Hearn (Anthony Joshua’s promoter), it is the time. Come on over here Eddie.”

While Hearn smiled at the events, Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) looked visibly annoyed. 

“Next, I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for,” Fury said. “I want you (pointing at Joshua) AJ, Anthony Joshua (who just nodded his head and put his hand to his heart with a slight smile). Let’s give the fight fans what they want. The Battle of Britain.

“And here’s my challenge: I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, “The Gypsy King” next.

Joshua continued to look on with a steely gaze, when Fury barked: “Do you accept my challenge?”

AJ gave Fury the middle finger and said: “Tyson, you’re a clout chaser.”

“Tyson, I’ve never had no problem getting in the ring with you. I punched you out when we were kids. And after watching you tonight, I’ll punch you up again. With all due respect, tonight is your night, and you know I’ll sit across that ring from you in due time. 

“You ain’t going to tell me what to do. I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready, you come and see me. And you tell me your terms and conditions.

“And I’ll have you in the ring when I’m ready. I’m the boss. You work for me. I’m the landlord. Remember that. I’m the landlord. You work for me,” added Joshua.

“The ball’s in your court,” Fury shouted at Joshua. “Let’s give the fight fans what they want. Do not run from me this time. Ten years in the making. Let’s f—ing dance.”

It was pure WWE, but the interaction between the two seemed to suggest it was closer, even if not signed. Since then, Turki Alalshikh has confirmed we can expect to see Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua on a date and at a venue to be confirmed. Fury will need to come through a rumoured warm-up fight on August 1, as Joshua will need to on July 25.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Lopez has his say

When speaking on Inside Ring, former WBO super lightweight champion Lopez revealed his pick for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury:

“I don’t do odds, but I would go for Joshua against Fury.”

When asked why by Max Kellerman, Lopez added: “Overall, him working with Usyk, I think they’ve got a good game plan.”

Lopez was then asked for his assessment of Joshua, and said: “I noticed that there’s a big change from the Jake Paul fight. I’ve seen where he’s just bouncing a little more, catching his rhythm, and I think that’s going to give a little more problems for (Tyson Fury).”

Featured Image Credit:

Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images for Netflix