Joshua dominated from the first bell, before ending the bout with a knockout punch in the second round in Saudi Arabia. The performance was an impressive one, especially after former UFC star Ngannou went all 10 rounds with Fury before losing on points last October.
On the back of AJ’s victory, the hope is now that the Englishman will finally get to meet Fury in the ring if the Gypsy King can get past Usyk in May. Fury, however, has revealed a rematch clause with the Ukrainian will only knock back any fight with Joshua.
Speaking to DAZN, Fury said: “I think there’s quite a long way to go, and for some reason, over the last five years, there’s always been some s*** that gets in the way of it. This time the s*** is the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, so that’s on the back burner for now.
“Great performance from AJ, fantastic, but, unfortunately I’ve got bigger fish to fry in Usyk on May 18, then we have a rematch in October.” He did however admit he would be open to the all-British bout on the back of his Usyk rematch, adding: “After that, if he’s still available and I’m still available, let’s get it on.”
In the meantime Joshua will clearly have to venture elsewhere, with Fury suggesting his fellow countryman could turn his attention to Filip Hrgović. The undisputed heavyweight champion of the world went on: “He can do what he wants because it’s none of my business, actually.
“He’s got to fight, hasn’t he? He can’t wait a year, because inactivity is no good, as we know. He’s got to keep active and maybe chase down a title. After I beat Usyk, there will be an IBF title vacant, so maybe he can fight Hrgovic for the IBF.”
Joshua meanwhile appeared to have little interest in discussing a future clash with the Gypsy King. Quizzed on whether he saw Fury at any point following his victory, Joshua brutally responded to iFL TV: “F*** Tyson Fury,” after criticising the Englishman for disrespecting himself and Ngannou ahead of the bout.