Tyson Fury has claimed that Anthony Joshua is fighting for a final payday when the pair meet on December 11, and says he intends to keep boxing after the contest.
The long-time British rivals, both former heavyweight world champions, have never fought each other. Their clash will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The 38-year-old Fury said he never expected the fight to happen. Speaking to WSVN Miami from his training camp, he said Joshua turned the fight down four or five times.
“I didn’t think he had the minerals to get in there with the GK (Gypsy King) and he didn’t,” Fury said.
“At the end of his career, now he wants a final payday. I will give it to him, no problem.”
Fury said fans would witness the end of an era.
“They’ll see legendary fighters throwing down in their late 30s like all the greats did before,” he said. “Just two modern-day gladiators throwing down. For pride, glory and a **** ton of money.”
Fury has two fights left on his contract and said he would probably sign another 10-fight deal after that. “If the money’s right, sign another 10 fights, but they’ve got to be quick because I’m getting older,” he said. “I’m coming up to fight number 40.”
His main target is a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk, and he still bitterly disputes the decision that went against him in their second bout. “If you want to get paid you’ve got to come and see me in the heavyweight division,” Fury said of the Ukrainian.
The former champion also described himself as the best heavyweight to have put on a pair of gloves.
Demand for the fight has been huge. More than 500,000 fans queued for tickets, but only 80,000 were put on sale. The ring walk is set for 1am to suit American audiences.
Fury is expected to start as favourite. Daniel Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, is also backing him, saying Joshua has lost his jab as a weapon since his 2019 defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua, 37, has said he will embrace the pressure of the occasion. “When you have put the work in, pressure becomes something that drives you forward,” he said at the launch of Under Armour’s HeatGear and ColdGear baselayers.