ANTHONY JOSHUA urged Tyson Fury to consider retirement ‘soon’ but first wants to face him and Deontay Wilder.
Fury, 32, turned professional in 2008 – around the time Joshua first picked up the boxing gloves – and is unbeaten in 31 fights.
The WBC champion has already agreed a two-fight deal for next year with 30-year-old WBA, IBF and WBO title holder AJ.
But Joshua, who made his debut in the pro ranks a year after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics, warned the unification needs to happen sooner rather than later.
He told Sky Sports: “Fury has been professional much longer than me. He should be looking to retire soon.
“If he wants to cement his legacy, I’m here and ready. I’ve built myself into this position.
“I came up quick. That shows I’m ready.
“These boys turned professional in 2008 and it took [Fury seven years] to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
“He’s on a completely different journey. I want to steam through.”
Joshua needs to first beat Kubrat Pulev, 39, in December before focussing on unifying the division.
The same month Fury is lined up to face Deontay Wilder, 34, for a third time, having dethroned him of the WBC belt in February.
But Joshua still plans to fight Wilder having failed to agree terms for an undisputed title decider in the past.
And AJ – who first became unified champion by beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2018 – does not believe the Bronze Bomber or Fury provide his career toughest test.
He explained: “I’ll challenge Fury, I’ll challenge Wilder. “
These guys aren’t the biggest names that I’ve fought on my record anyway. They are just another heavyweight.
“Look at my record. They are not the best fighters that I have challenged.
“When they are ready, I’m here to fight.”
