Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has thrown his support behind Anthony Joshua, claiming that ‘AJ’ has what it takes to knock out Tyson Fury if the long-awaited showdown between the pair ever materialises.
The two British heavyweights have shared a long-running and bitter rivalry over the years, with constant speculation at times that a highly-anticipated fight between them will finally take place.
Yet, despite strong public support for a bout and significant conjecture and negotiations, a showdown has never materialised. However, Bellew remains hopeful despite Fury’s recent retirement announcement.
‘I’ve always said it and I’ll stick by it,’ Bellew told Fightlens. ‘I think Anthony Joshua will be forced to let his hands go, and he’ll knock out Tyson Fury.
‘Do I think he’s the better fighter? No. But not always the better fighter wins. I’ve been in fights myself where I’ve beaten fighters better than me, like David Haye. I beat him twice, but he’s a better fighter than me. Styles make fights.’
Bellew’s comments come as the possibility of a Joshua vs Fury fight remains as tantalising as ever, yet frustratingly out of reach (for now).
Tony Bellew has thrown his support behind Anthony Joshua , claiming that ‘AJ’ has what it takes to knock out Tyson Fury if the long-awaited showdown ever materialises
AJ rebounded from his losses to Usyk with back-to-back wins against Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin and Francis before losing to Daniel Dubois
Despite years of speculation and negotiations, the two heavyweight icons have never shared the ring, leaving boxing fans to wonder if the fight will ever happen.
In 2021, the fight appeared to be a done deal, with an agreement reportedly reached for a two-bout series in Saudi Arabia.
However, the plan was derailed when Fury was forced to honour a contractual obligation and fight Deontay Wilder for a third time.
Fury went on to defeat Wilder in their trilogy bout, and Joshua lost his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO belts to Oleksandr Usyk later that year, further complicating matters.
More recently, hopes were reignited when Turki Alalshikh hinted at a blockbuster showdown between AJ and Fury in 2025, sparking excitement among fans.
However, Fury stunned the boxing world earlier this month by announcing his retirement following his second loss to Usyk.
While Fury has retired before—famously stepping away after his 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko and again in 2017 as well as 2022—many believe ‘The Gypsy King’ could make another comeback, especially if the financial and competitive incentives are right.
Joshua, meanwhile, has remained open to the fight. The two-time heavyweight champion rebounded from his losses to Usyk with back-to-back wins against Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin and Francis before losing to Daniel Dubois.
Fury stunned the boxing world earlier this month by announcing his retirement following his second loss to Usyk
Bellew’s belief in Joshua stems from his assessment of their contrasting styles.
Fury, a technical master with unmatched size, has dominated some of the best heavyweights of the modern era.
Joshua, on the other hand, possesses power and has a more disciplined approach, which Bellew believes could trouble Fury under the right circumstances.
‘Fury might be the better fighter on paper, but Joshua has the tools to force an outcome,’ Bellew argued.
The former cruiserweight champion went on to add: ‘Styles make fights, and AJ has the power and determination to cause an upset.’
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