Anthony Joshua Once Criticised Tyson Fury For 'Running' In A Fight

Anthony Joshua once criticised Tyson Fury for 'running' in a fight - despite using the same tactics against Andy Ruiz Jr last night.

Joshua beat Andy Ruiz Jr by unanimous decision to reclaim the WBA (super), IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles in Saudi Arabia.

The 30-year-old deployed a hit-and-move strategy for the fight and an old interview of him lambasting 'The Gypsy King' for deploying a similar style against Wladimir Klitschko has emerged.

When asked if Fury impressed Joshua in his victory, AJ replied:

"Nah, (Fury) boxed 12 rounds and ran.

"I don't respect that."

Fury defeated Ukrainian back in 2015 to become the unified world heavyweight champion.

But Joshua thinks that Fury 'stole' the belts from Klitschko in the way he fought.

He said back in 2017 per Boxing Social:

"He stole the boxing from Klitschko in the sense that he just boxed and moved.

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"If an up and coming king wants to take the king's treasure, you look him in the face and put the dagger in his chest."

He also referenced his victory 'Dr. Steelhammer' in 2017 claiming the duo 'went to war'.

"You don't stay from afar and slash, slash. You go to war and that is what me and Klistchko did."

He also stated that he didn't want to leave the decision of the match to the judges.

They're interesting comments considering his strategy last night.

The Brit was comfortable and maintained distance from Ruiz Jr who wanted to get involved in a slugfest.

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It was a clear change in strategy from the first fight when Ruiz Jr managed to get close to his opponent and land numerous heavy blows.

It will be interesting to see if the champ adopts a similar strategy for his next opponent who seems to be Oleksandr Usyk.

The WBO have ordered the Joshua to face Usyk within 180 days and he's ready for the challenge.

He said following last night's fight:

"In 180 days, let's rock 'n roll then! No problem."

Usyk became WBO mandatory challenger after beating Chazz Witherspoon in October on his heavyweight debut.

Do you think Joshua was right to criticise Fury?

Sound off in the comments below.

Topics: Tyson Fury, Andy Ruiz Jr, Anthony Joshua, Boxing

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a freelancer journalist for SPORTbible and covers a variety of sports. He also has past experience of working at Manchester United and once locked eyes with Jose Mourinho. He lived to tell the tale.

@DanMarland1998x