Anthony Joshua reveals why he refused to enter the ring after Tyson Fury's comeback as invitation issued

Anthony Joshua has explained the real reason he refused to face off with Tyson Fury after the latter’s comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.

Despite being ringside, former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua refused to enter the ring after Fury’s victory.

Fury repeatedly insulted Joshua while taking to the microphone after his unanimous decision victory.

"I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next. Do you accept?" Fury screamed.

However, Joshua refused to face off with his fellow British heavyweight despite multiple attempts by Fury before the Watford boxer chose to reply while sitting near the apron of the ring.

After filming sections of Fury’s fight, AJ said: “I punched you up when we were kids and I'll punch you up again.

"You aren't going to tell me what to do, I've been chasing you for 10 years.

"I'm the boss, you work for me. I'm the landlord. You work for me.”

As expected, Fury responded: “You are next. You are getting knocked out. Believe it."

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And while their paths are likely to cross in a blockbuster fight later this year, both men have fights booked just one day apart later this month.

First, Fury will take on Poland’s Mariusz Wach on July 24 in Pattaya, Thailand, and will look to extend his professional record to 36 wins from 39 fights.

Then, the following day, Joshua faces Albania’s Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which will mark AJ’s first fight since being involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria, which saw two of his close friends – Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele – die in December.

Anthony Joshua reveals why he refused to face off with Tyson Fury

Speaking to DAZN, Joshua has now revealed the true reason he did not step into the ring despite Fury’s wishes back in April, and it makes perfect sense.

He explained: “If he wants to come in the ring when I win July 25th, feel welcome. Come into my territory.

"I’m the landlord. I’m going to welcome you into my home. You don’t welcome me into your home.

“I’ve been in that position before where I’ve signed contracts with Fury.

"So, I didn’t play into the games. I’m not there for games. If the contract was signed, I would have got in the ring.

"I was there on a scouting mission. I want to see what my future opponents are going to look like. I saw a lot.

"I saw some good. I saw some vulnerabilities in there.”

Fury and AJ are expected to fight at Wembley Stadium, although an official date or venue has yet to be confirmed.