Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: AJ 'didn't want' the fight

Tyson Fury knew Anthony Joshua didn’t want to fight him because his rival wasn’t hard enough on his team, he’s claimed.

It comes after Fury was forced to look elsewhere for an opponent after Joshua failed to meet his deadline to sign the contract.

The pair were reportedly in talks over a highly anticipated ‘Battle of the Brits’ showdown at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 3.

However, those talks quickly fell apart, with both sides subsequently blaming the other for the breakdown in communications.

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And Fury, 34, has firmly pointed the finger at Joshua, 32, as he accused him of not being firm enough with his representatives.

“He didn’t want the fight and didn’t push it and didn’t sign the contract,” he told iD Boxing:

“In my opinion, and this is being brutally honest – lack of b***s from AJ and lack of being assertive.

“If you’re a man, you be assertive with your team and make sure it’s done.”

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Fury also revealed that he will make his ring comeback before the end of the year on December 3 – with an opponent yet to be confirmed.

It is claimed veteran boxer Derek Chisora is close to agreeing a deal to face the Gypsy King on his anticipated return to the ring.

However, he apparently hasn’t given up on fighting Joshua, as he refused to rule it out completely.

“After his latest antics, I hope it is him,” he added. “Unfortunately for him, if he signs a contract I’m going to have to severely smash his teeth in. We’ll see.

“We’re going to announce an opponent next week. There’s four or five guys in the hat, a couple of