Tony Bellew backs Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury in British clash
Former world champion Tony Bellew believes Anthony Joshua has the destructive power to defeat Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated all-British heavyweight clash.
Fury recently revealed his willingness to face his long-time domestic rival following a scheduled comeback fight next month.
Bellew insists the long-awaited showdown must happen, despite acknowledging that both men are now in the latter stages of their respective careers.
‘A travesty if it didn’t happen’
“It has to, it would be a travesty if it didn’t happen,” Bellew told Sky Sports News.
“We’ll always want the answers when it comes to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.”
The former cruiserweight titleholder highlighted the immense commercial appeal of the Olympic gold medallist and former unified champion.
“I’m not going to lie, at this stage they’re both past their best, in my opinion,” added Bellew.
“But it’s still relevant, so were Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather when they came together.”
Tragedy, recovery and an unlikely alliance
Joshua is targeting a July return to the ring following a fatal car crash in December that tragically claimed the lives of two friends.
The Watford-born fighter has taken an unusual step in his preparation by training alongside Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian currently holds victories over both British heavyweights, having defeated each man twice.
“He’s had ups and downs in the sport, he’s going through a really tough time at the minute,” Bellew observed regarding Joshua’s recent personal trauma.
“He’s preparing diligently again under the tutelage now of Oleksandr Usyk, so that looks good.”
Contrasting paths to a potential showdown
Both heavyweights enter this potential matchup on the back of mixed recent fortunes.
The ‘Gypsy King’ is seeking to bounce back from two highly competitive, top-level defeats at the hands of Usyk.
Meanwhile, his domestic rival suffered a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024 before returning last year to stop influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in six rounds.
Despite these respective setbacks, Bellew remains adamant about the outcome of a potential clash.
“I’ve always said it’s going to be AJ, I think styles make fights,” he concluded.
“He’s the one with the destructive power of the two.”
