‘He will wreck you and make your life a misery’: Tyson Fury’s father warns Anthony Joshua against unification bout

John Fury believes losing to his son would be the end of Joshua’s professional career

John Fury has issued a fresh warning to Anthony Joshua by claiming a heavyweight unification bout with his son Tyson will “be the last time you ever box because he will wreck you”.

Fury ensured all four main heavyweight titles are in British hands by defeating Deontay Wilder last weekend with a dominant seventh-round stoppage, which will go down as one of the great boxing performances against an opponent who was undefeated in 43 bouts and appearing in his 11th consecutive title defence.

The victory has immediately triggered talk of a division unification bout with Joshua, who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles, though Wilder has signalled his intention to activate a rematch clause to face Fury for a third time that looks certain to take place first before an all-British blockbuster can take place.

But that has not stopped the trash talk from igniting, with Fury’s father taking the opportunity to fire a warning not just to the two-time world champion, but also to his promoter Eddie Hearn that his career will go the same way as Joshua’s.

“You're a nice guy, you look well, you've got a big future but when it comes down to the beating, fighting lion heart I don't think you've got it,” Fury told IFL TV.

“So, don't mess with Tyson Fury. Keep your belts, go and fight other people but don't mess with Tyson unless it's worth your while, because let me tell you it'll be the last time you ever box if you mess with him.

“He will wreck you! (He is a) 19 stone, 6ft 9in wrecking machine who will not stop coming forward but he'll come forward at you educated and he'll punish you and he'll school you and he'll break your heart.

“He'll make your life a misery and your life will never be the same again. So, think on. Eddie Hearn that's to you as well.”

Fury has been installed as the strong favourite among the bookmakers should the two meet in the ring, with the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ odds-on to emerge victorious. While Fury remains undefeated with 30 victories and one draw to his record, Joshua suffered the first loss of his career last year against Andy Ruiz, though subsequently made up for the defeat by winning last December’s rematch and reclaiming the titles from the Mexican-American.

Speaking after his win over Wilder, Fury stated that he sees two fights ahead of himself before he can retire, claiming that he will honour the rematch with Wilder before beating Joshua to unify the entire division that will leave him with nothing more to achieve.

However, that day when Fury hangs up his gloves for good cannot come soon enough for his father, who believes that Tyson has already done enough to cement his legacy in the sport.

“I want my son to retire now. He's done enough,” John Fury said on Good Morning Britain earlier this week. “It's been an uphill battle for him. I think it's in the back of his mind. He can't do anymore. He's won every professional title. Enough is enough. There's more to life now. He's given it his all.

“He's got no more to prove. He's proved he's been a worthy champion from this country. He's been 13 years as a pro and he's always been the opponent.

“He's 32 years old. He's got a young family and I do believe his children deserve their father. He's done enough and that's my opinion.”