Anthony Joshua has launched a scathing social media attack on Tyson Fury, branding his heavyweight rival "dippy" whilst declaring his intention to return to the ring and face him.
The former world champion posted on Instagram that he hopes to be "punching Fury's head in and dancing around his flicker jab with ease" when he makes his comeback.
Joshua, who has been absent from boxing since suffering a fifth-round knockout against Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September, promised supporters he would "lace up my boots and put on my gloves sooner than later" in his provocative message.
The Instagram post came after a press conference for Joseph Parker's upcoming bout with Fabio Wardley.
Anthony Joshua has launched a scathing social media attack on Tyson Fury, branding his heavyweight rival 'dippy' whilst declaring his intention to return to the ring and face him
| PAJoshua praised Parker whilst simultaneously attacking Fury, writing: "I'm proud of Joe Parker, even though he is a competitor. Real recognises real.
"He's in the game to fight whoever, whenever and that's the DNA of a real general. Unlike his dippy mate Tyson Fury.
Joseph Parker has been ordered to fight Fabio Wardley, with Oleksandr Usyk to face off against the victor | GETTY"I would dissect his career/record in minutes but I'll leave that for a potential Gloves Are Off if he ever comes back and fights Big Femi [Joshua].
"Fabio Wardley, respect to you as well. Bro was working in recruitment helping your dad get a job a couple of years ago.
"Let that be a testament to God rooting in one's favour and a statement to show, nothing is impossible (if you can have a scrap haha).
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|"To my supporters, I'll be back to lace up my boots and put on my gloves sooner than later, hopefully punching Fury's head in and dancing around his flicker jab with ease," he concluded.
Joshua has been out of action following his September defeat to Daniel Dubois, when he was stopped in the fifth round of their Wembley encounter.
The former champion has since had surgery on his elbow but has now resumed training.
His promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports that Joshua is targeting a return early next year, with plans for him to compete in the first part of 2026.
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Hearn anticipates AJ will take a warm-up bout before pursuing the Fury clash, though Joshua's social media outburst suggests he may be eager to bypass any tune-up fights.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed ambitions for a major summer bout, with Fury remaining their primary target despite the champion's current inactivity.
Fury hasn't competed since suffering a points loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their December rematch.
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Tyson Fury appeared to confirm he would not return to the ring in a recent interview
|SKY SPORTS
The Gypsy King declared his retirement following that defeat but withdrew the announcement several weeks later. His return to action isn't anticipated until next year due to ongoing Netflix filming obligations.
However, the former heavyweight champion recently denied returning to the sport. When asked when fans can expect to see him back in the ring, Fury replied: "Never!
"Really. I'm too old, look at my beard, it's all grey. Boxing's a young man's game."
The reporter then questioned if Fury could be get race horses as a new hobby instead, the Gypsy King replied: "Maybe. Who knows?"
Meanwhile, Parker risks his mandatory challenger status for undisputed champion Usyk when he faces Wardley in October, a bout that prompted Joshua's fiery social media post.