Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in heated argument after Gypsy King labours to comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov

Tyson Fury blew off the cobwebs to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in a low-quality encounter on Saturday night and immediately called out Anthony Joshua.

Fury looked rusty following 16 months out of the ring, but was handed the unanimous decision victory via wide margins of 120-108, 120-108, 119-109. 

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And in the immediate aftermath, he implored long-time rival Joshua to finally meet him in a fight that has been almost a decade in the making.

“I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for,” said Fury.

“I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fight fans what they want – the Battle of Britain.

“I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, the Gypsy King, next.

“Do you accept my challenge?”

Hitting back – and refusing to get in the ring for a face-off – Joshua replied: “Tyson, you’re a clout chaser.

“Tyson, I’ve never had no problem getting in the ring with you.

“With all due respect, tonight is your night. You ain’t gonna tell me what to do.

“I’ve been chasing you for the last ten years. I’m the boss.

“You work for me. I’m the landlord. Remember that.”

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While the domestic dust-up is undoubtedly still a commercial juggernaut, Fury’s performance will have done little to whet the British public’s appetite.

Story of the fight

Fury looked like a shadow of his former self as he struggled to keep the technically-limited Makhmudov off of his chest.

The Russian took the fight to Fury from the opening bell and let his hand fly with reckless abandon as he repeatedly forced his adversary up against the ropes.

For the most part, it was a clinch fest, with Makhmudov regularly tying up Fury on the inside after looping a clubbing right over the top.

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