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Joshua accepts Fury's battle of Britain challenge
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Gavin Glicksman
LiveScore
Anthony Joshua is ready to rumble with Tyson Fury after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua is ready to rumble with Tyson Fury after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua is ready to face Tyson Fury in a December battle of Britain for the WBC world heavyweight title. 

With negotiations for an undisputed showdown with WBA Super, WBO and IBF champ Oleksandr Usyk stalled, Fury took to social media to open the door to a clash with Joshua. 

And AJ, who failed to win back the gold he lost to Usyk when they met in a rematch last month, has accepted the challenge issued by the undefeated Gypsy King. 

The two-time world heavyweight champ, 32, posted: "Yea calm. I don’t do the online discussions just for clout, so if you're really about it shout @258mgt. I’ll be ready in December. Khalas."

Fury had hoped to face Usyk later this year after the Ukrainian made it back-to-back victories over Joshua. 

But the former undisputed cruiserweight king has indicated he will not box again until 2023 — leaving the Mancunian searching for a high-profile opponent after reversing his decision to retire. 

And that prompted Fury to take throw down the gauntlent to his old verbal sparring partner AJ.

In a video post, Fury said: "You’ve all heard that I’m going to be fighting within the next few months. And before I announce an opponent I need to do this just in case. 

"Anthony Joshua, I know you’ve just lost a fight to Usyk, and I know you’re belt-less at the moment, and I’d like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months. 

"You’re coming off a 12-round fight so you’re match fit, you’re ready, I’m giving you a few months’ notice. 

“If you’re interested I’ll send you the date over and we can rumble — a battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. 

"Let me know if you’re interested. If not, I will select another opponent."

At first, Joshua did not bite. But he could not resist after his fellow Brit followed up with a second tweet.

Fury, 34, said: "Yo @anthonyjoshua what you saying big G let’s give the fanz what they want as Usyk is bitching??? I got the date and venue who will rule Britannia?"

The Gypsy King called time on his career after defeating Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April. 

There had been talk of a third fight with old rival Derek Chisora but it appeared he would stick to his word after vacating the Ring Magazine belt prior to Usyk-Joshua II.

Yet the lure of more big nights has seemingly proven too strong and he is ready to step back between the ropes.

And while Fury has spoken of his desire to work more with the WWE when he does finally hang up his gloves, boxing fans are likely to be treated to at least one more sing-song before he walks away from the sweet science. 

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