“Joshua must think about image he doesn’t need to be against Tyson Fury” - Evander Holyfield Warns

The two men have been trading insults ever since Joshua’s triumph over legend Wladimir Klitschko back in April, with Fury keen to settle the score.

Anthony Joshua must forget all about the idea of fighting Tyson Fury and concentrate on a much more serious contest, according to former boxing icon Evander Holyfield, DailyMail reports. 

Joshua has been linked with an all British bout with Fury the next time he steps into the ring, with both camps talking up a potential showdown.

Joshua’s victory means both men have beaten the famous Klitschko, with Fury shocking the boxing world when he toppled the Ukrainian in November 2015.

Fury has not stepped back into the boxing ring since, and has been marred with a series of controversies including failed drugs tests and poor physical condition.

Joshua is yet to officially announce his next fight, but Holyfield believes picking Fury would be a huge mistake. 

“Joshua has to think about his image. He doesn’t need to be against someone like Fury who jokes a lot and is seen in a different light,” said Holyfield, as reported by the Sun.

“Joshua has talked about becoming the first billionaire fighter and if he is serious then he will need the big-name fights. 

“And Fury really isn’t one of those for Joshua.” 

The reigning world champion is most heavily tipped to take on Kubrat Pulev, should he fail to arrange a rematch with Klitschko.

But Holyfield warns Joshua that he will need to avoid having an inflated ego, should Klitschko agree to face him once again. 

He added, “It would be a bona fide rematch, but Joshua has to avoid starting to have an ego. 

“He must avoid thinking ‘I don’t have to work as hard this time, I’ve proved I can beat him and I can do it again’.”