Tyson Fury responds to Anthony Joshua’s stunning defeat by Daniel Dubois

Fury watched on ringside as Joshua was well beaten by fellow British heavyweight Dubois

Lawrence Ostlere
Sunday 22 September 2024 08:45 BST
Comments
Liam Gallagher performs for first time since announcing Oasis reunion

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tyson Fury defended Anthony Joshua after his humbling defeat by fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

Joshua was floored four times as the magnificent Dubois launched a relentless assault from the first bell that eventually ended with the clear favourite being counted out following a thrilling exchange of blows.

It was a devastating defeat and the fourth of his career which robbed him of a shot at becoming undisputed world champion.

But despite such a one-sided all-British showdown that lived up to explosive expectations, Fury – who has long been linked with a superfight against Joshua – defended the beaten boxer.

“It’s heavyweight boxing, s*** happens, you get knocked spark out,” Fury told FightHubTV after watching the fight ringside. “It could have been me. In the heavyweight division, it’s what happens.

“What went wrong is what always happens in heavyweight boxing. A good right hand on the end of the chin, and that was it.”

Asked whether Joshua would return to the ring, Fury said: “I don’t know. It’s up to the man and whatever he wants to do. If he has good ambitions to come back again, he can make his own decisions. He’s a big boy.

“I thought it was a 50-50 fight. Dubois is a lot younger. He’s 27-years-old. Joshua is 35, the same age as me [Joshua is 34, Fury is 36]. Age doesn’t wait for anybody. You get hit with those punches [and] you don’t see many heavyweights get hit, get knocked down, get back up, and continue on.”

Joshua was utterly outclassed by his opponent
Joshua was utterly outclassed by his opponent (Getty Images)

After the fight, Joshua refused to walk away from the sport.

“You’re probably asking if I still want to consider fighting – of course I want to continue fighting,” he said. “We took a shot at success and we came up short. What does that mean now? That we’re going to run away? We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am, I’m a warrior.

“Always walk with your head high. We rolled the dice for the third time. There have been 13 world-title fights, not every one of them has been successful but every one has been fun and entertaining. There were a few mistakes in there but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins will cost you at the top level.

“We have to give credit to our opponent, Daniel. When I sign up to fight opponents, I don’t really like them in my head any more. But now that it’s done, I take my hat off to him and say well done.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in