Tyson Fury backs Deontay Wilder for three-round knockout against Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury has issued his prediction for a potential Deontay Wilder clash with Anthony Joshua, backing his trilogy rival to secure a knockout blow within three rounds.

Fury is the only fighter that Wilder has failed to beat in his illustrious career, with a controversial draw in their first meeting before back-to-back wins for Fury in the two resulting rematches - which saw the Manchester fighter claim the WBC heavyweight title.

Wilder's future after his latest defeat to Fury in October is yet to be confirmed but he's long been touted as a potential opponent for Joshua.

In 2018, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn spoke about a desire for a unification bout between Joshua and Wilder, who at the time occupied all four heavyweight belts between them.

However, both have since lost their titles with Wilder's defeat to Fury and Joshua ceding his three belts to Oleksandr Usyk in September - though he's set for a rematch with the Ukrainian.

While that means Joshua is tied-up for the time being, Wilder would be a favoured opponent if AJ suffers a second defeat to Usyk.

However, Fury believes that trilogy rival Wilder would secure a comfortable knockout against Joshua in the early rounds of any potential bout.

"I'd say Deontay Wilder would KO the bum inside 3 rounds," Fury posted in a blunt assessment of a potential clash on Twitter.

Fury and Joshua could still go head-to-head themselves, which both having one additional hurdle before a unification bout.

Fury is set to defend his belt against Dillian Whyte in March, while Joshua has a chance to regain his belts in his rematch with Usyk to open the door for a bout against his British rival.