Anthony Joshua dominated Tyson Fury during their only sparring session.
According to reports, they crossed paths in 2010. Fury was already professional, chasing his dream of becoming a world champion. Joshua was an amateur working his way up the ranks, catching the attention of boxing trainers galore. They had a sparring session during their time at the Finchley Boxing Club.
When they stepped into the ring, Fury was 11-0. He had just come off a win against John McDermott in their rematch for the English heavyweight title. Fury was keen to stay sharp in the gym and offered anyone who could knock him out in sparring a Rolex. Joshua stepped into the ring. Although he did not stop Fury, The Gypsy King admitted that Joshua dominated him during their three rounds.
Fury Reacts
“I went down to Finchley Boxing Club and I sparred with the ABA champion, Anthony Joshua. He’s red hot, him, he’s very good. To be honest with you, I thought to myself, ‘I’m only going to take it easy as he’s an amateur and we probably won’t spar again if I go mad.’
“He’s rushed out at me, he threw a one-two and a left hook and I slipped. I thought, ‘He’s not that good, I’m going to take my time.’ Then bash, he gives me a big uppercut right on the point of the chin. If I’d have had a bit of a weak chin like David Price, I’d have been knocked out for a month,” Fury said
Now, there is a narrative in place for them to finally face each other. Fury suffered the first loss of his career, losing a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk. Fury was almost knocked out in round nine, only to be saved by a standing eight count by the referee. The defeat meant he missed out on becoming the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion.
Fury’s Praise
Fury will rematch Usyk on December 21. But it will not be undisputed after Usyk vacated the IBF belt. Joshua will face Dubois for the IBF belt. Dubois was elevated as a full champion. If Fury and Joshua win their next fights, they could box each other for undisputed. They have already agreed to fight each other regardless of the results during a FaceTime call. Based on Fury’s prior comments, he will be in for a tough ride.
“He’s very, very good and he’s only young, 20, watch out for that name Anthony Joshua he is one prospect for the future. He came out at me for three rounds and he gave me a beating – I’m not going to deny it, he gave me hell for leather for three rounds.
“I thought ‘Oh my god, an amateur is killing me.’ Being a professional, and I’ve been an amateur myself and fought all over the world, I slowed him down a bit with a few good body shots. The kid’s only 20, and I’m a handful myself, so for him to put up a good performance like that against a top prospect in me, I think he’s one for the future,” Joshua added
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