John Fury has waxed lyrical over Anthony Joshua, saying their meeting on Sunday was a ‘great moment.’
Tyson Fury’s father met up with AJ ahead of his upcoming fight against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on Friday night.
It was a meeting that was quick to make the rounds on social media and it was certainly a friendly affair as the two embraced each other.
“He is a f****** big fella, isn’t he?” Fury said in awe of Joshua’s height, and he further opened up on their respectful encounter ahead of the Brit’s next fight.
“I’ve always liked Anthony Joshua, I’ve never said anything wrong about him,” he told Sky Sports on Monday. “He’s a great fighter, Olympic gold medallist, he’s done a lot for boxing, let’s not forget that.
“He is a good fighter and he will be a world champion again, but I couldn’t get over how really big he was, the man’s a unit! He’s always been a nice guy, a respectful man, he showed me respect.
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“He was lovely and it was heartfelt. I’ve got nothing but admiration and respect for Anthony Joshua, it was a great moment for me.”
Ngannou is an opponent that Fury will know all too well about as he gave his son Tyson an almighty challenge in October.
The former UFC star sensationally knocked down ‘The Gypsy King’ in round three before losing via a controversial split decision, but John still thinks AJ will come out on top.
“If he boxes properly, keeps his head, sticks to a game plan, he will win on points,” he said on the two-time former unified heavyweight champion.
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“If he mixes it with a big puncher, Ngannou’s a unit, he’s had Tyson on the floor, Tyson said he can really bang, probably the hardest he’s been in with including Deontay Wilder.
“He’s got to be careful, but AJ has got the skillset, he’s got the power of himself and who knows, he has this effect on fighters doesn’t he? They just melt in front of him… don’t rule [out] and AJ knockout either, but it’s gonna be AJ on points I think.
“Ngannou’s a strong man and he’s a man with belief in himself, he’s super fit, 19 stone, he’s got to be careful as well.”
Joshua and John could be set to meet again in the future, with the former eyeing a fight with either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk after their undisputed world heavyweight showcase on May 18.
