Fury Claims Joshua Avoided Past Bouts

Tyson Fury has reignited the war of words ahead of his long-awaited British heavyweight showdown against Anthony Joshua, declaring that his rival is finally stepping into the ring for a "final payday" on December 11.

Speaking from his training camp, the undefeated 'Gypsy King' claimed that the domestic rivals' paths should have crossed years ago, but asserted that Joshua previously lacked the inclination to take the fight.

"I never thought it would happen," Fury admitted. "I didn't think he had the minerals to get in there with the 'GK' and he didn't. Four or five times he turned the fight down.

"At the end of his career now he wants a final payday. I'll give it to him, no problem."

End of an Era for the Class of 2008

With both heavyweights sitting in the twilight years of their illustrious careers, Fury framed the upcoming clash as a defining moment for British boxing, highlighting their amateur roots stemming back to the 2008 Olympic cycle.

"[Fans] will see an end of an era," Fury said. "Me especially, I'm from the class of 2008 as an amateur, Olympic year '08. It's been a long time, this fight's been building for a very long time.

"What will they see? They'll see legendary fighters throwing down in their late 30s like all the greats did before. Since time began men have fought each other for a prize, for a victory, or for whatever it might be. Respect. So there's nothing different going on here. Just two modern-day gladiators throwing down for pride, glory, and a ton of money."

Beyond December: Future Ambitions and Usyk Trilogy

While Joshua's future hangs in the balance, 38-year-old Fury insists he has no plans to hang up his gloves anytime soon. The WBC heavyweight stalwart revealed he intends to fulfill his current contractual obligations and is already eyeing a potential extension—and a lucrative trilogy fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

"I'm going to continue. I've got two fights left on my contract," Fury said. "I'll finish the contract off and then probably sign another 10-fight deal. Who knows?

"If the money's right, sign another 10 fights, but they've got to be quick because I'm getting older. And when it's gone it's gone. I'm coming up to fight No 40."

Pointing to his disputed defeats against the Ukrainian champion, Fury maintained that he remains the premier attraction and fighter in the division.

"Usyk knows he can't get any money anywhere else," Fury declared. "If you want to get paid, you've got to come and see me in the heavyweight division.

"I rank myself as the best heavyweight who's ever put on a pair of gloves. There's never been anybody like me. Six-foot-nine, 275 pounds, box like a middleweight and dance all over the ring for 12 rounds. Can knock you out with either hand, southpaw or orthodox, or slip and slide like a lightweight. There ain't been one. I'm 38 years old and I'm still proving all the critics wrong."