Tyson Fury signals clear intentions regarding long-awaited fight against Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury says it would be a “travesty” if he never fights British heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua.

The two preeminent British fighters of their generation have long been linked to an explosive showdown, but they are approaching the final years of their respective careers without ever having faced each other.

The likelihood of the fight ever taking place fell when Joshua was soundly beaten by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last month.

Joshua was knocked down four times during the fight at Wembley Stadium as the great Dubois launched a relentless attack from the first bell, which ultimately ended with the clear favorite being counted out after a thrilling exchange in the fifth round.

Fury watched the proceedings from ringside and appeared unimpressed with his rival's performance, which appears to have scuppered plans for a superfight between the two. “It cost me £150 million, that idiot,” he said, scratching his head.

But Fury, who faces Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch in Riyadh in December, insists they will have to get in the ring one day.

“Ultimately it would be a travesty if we didn’t fight,” Fury told TNT Sports. “It doesn’t matter if he loses another 20 fights. If he doesn't win another fight and has a 10 year break from playing, it doesn't matter, we have to fight.

“I did an interview recently and I said, 'Look, it doesn't matter if we're 50 years old, we have to fight.' I've already lost a big fight with David Price. He was once a British hope that was building and would have led to a monumental fight here or in Manchester. But that’s over now, and it would be a farce if we didn’t fight each other.”

Joshua insisted after the Dubois fight that he would be back.

“We didn't make it, but we have to look at the positive and that's the perspective we have to have, a positive one, always,” he said in a video posted on social media. “Look at what we have achieved in 11 years, it is phenomenal and I would like to thank each and every one of you who rode with me.

“What a roller coaster ride, but do you know what the problem is? It's far from over. We did it once, we did it twice, it wasn't easy to do it a third time, but I believe I can do it. It's about taking the right steps forward, working hard and improving, and that has to come from here (the heart) more than anything else.

“It's only been a day, but when I sit back, I know I have a lot of it (heart). Thank you for your support, thank you for being on this rollercoaster ride with me. Strap in tight because deep down I know we can bring a lot more to this game. British boxing, I appreciate you and let’s stand up together, let’s go.”