By Edward Chaykovsky
In a few recent interview, IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16KOs) poked fun at the physique of WBO/IBO/WBA champion Tyson Fury (25-0, 18KOs).
Fury has ripped Joshua apart in recent weeks - calling the Olympic gold medal winner a 'novice' who is nothing more than a 'bodybuilder.'
Joshua captured the IBF title earlier this month with a two round knockout of Charles Martin.
Fury pulled off the 'upset of the year' in 2015 when he outboxed Wladimir Klitschko in November to capture the world titles. He explains that muscles are not the true definition of a good fighter, noting that he's knocked out a lot of opponents who were in excellent physical shape.
"We all do weights obviously because we are heavyweights, but I am never going to be Mr Universe and I don't need to be. I am a fighting man. You don't see a good-looking pitbull, do you? With its tail docked off, it's ears docked off, and their face in bits like it's been chopped up by a badger," Fury told Sky Sports.
"That's what I am. I am a natural fighter. I am the Gypsy King. I don't need muscles - and you can't put muscles on your chin. I've beaten plenty of six packs, don't worry about that. Whatever they put in front of me, I've got the agility and the style to beat and overcome them. You know why? Because I'm a gypsy and gypsies adapt to any situation and any environment."
Fury will defend his belts in a rematch with Klitschko on July 9th at the Manchester Arena in Manchester. Joshua will make the first defense of his IBF belt on June 25th at the O2 Arena in London. Should Fury and Joshua both win, they move one step closer to facing each other in a massive unification showdown on UK soil.
