Brief

Fury calls Joshua a ‘bum’ ahead of December 11 clash in Cardiff

Fury says beating Joshua is a warm‑up for a hoped‑for trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 04 Oct 2026 08:16:46 GMT

Tyson Fury told reporters on 3 October that he views Anthony Joshua as a “bum” he must defeat to secure a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk. The heavyweight showdown is scheduled for 11 December at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

What happened

Fury and Joshua met at a launch press conference on Wednesday, confirming a long‑awaited bout that will be the culmination of two storied careers. Both fighters have taken warm‑up fights this year – Joshua narrowly escaped a setback against Kristian Prenga, while Fury completed a decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov after returning from retirement for a fifth time.

What the reports add

The Independent notes that Fury sees the Cardiff fight as a stepping‑stone toward a trilogy bout with Usyk, whom he has lost to twice. He also claimed the match could be his most active year since 2018, citing recent five‑round work with Makhmudov and a seven‑round bout against another large opponent.

What was said

“I don’t have any intention of retiring after Joshua,” Fury said, adding, “I’m using this bum as a warm‑up for Usyk.” He warned that Joshua has “no clear next step” and questioned who could beat him besides Fury.

How it came about

The fight follows months of negotiations, promoter Eddie Hearn’s confirmation of the December 11 date, and recent reports that Joshua forfeited over £10 million to keep the bout in the UK. Fury’s earlier promise to ask Donald Trump to join his ring‑walk adds further publicity to the event.

Key facts

• Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “bum” ahead of their 11 December fight. (independent.co.uk)
• The heavyweight bout will take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. (independent.co.uk)
• Fury sees beating Joshua as preparation for a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk. (independent.co.uk)
• Both fighters had warm‑up fights this year: Joshua vs Kristian Prenga, Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov. (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Fury: Joshua is a ‘bum’ I have to beat to get Usyk trilogy fight”