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'He's looking after the belts'

Anthony Joshua isn’t the real world champion until he beats Tyson Fury, says Frank Warren

ANTHONY JOSHUA is simply "looking after the world titles" until Tyson Fury makes his return to boxing.

That's the opinion of promoter Frank Warren, who is desperate for his man, the self-titled "Gypsy King" to return to the sport.

 Anthony Joshua is only 'looking after the belts' form Tyson Fury, says promoter Frank Warren
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Anthony Joshua is only 'looking after the belts' form Tyson Fury, says promoter Frank WarrenCredit: Getty Images

Joshua won his first world title, the IBF strap, when he defeated Charles Martin with a second round stoppage.


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This belt was stripped from Fury after he chose to pursue a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko as oppose to fighting mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov.

 Tyson Fury is on the road back to boxing after time outside the ring to cope with personal problems
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Tyson Fury is on the road back to boxing after time outside the ring to cope with personal problemsCredit: PA:Press Association
 Frank Warren is eager for Anthony Joshua to fight a fit and healthy Tyson Fury in the near future
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Frank Warren is eager for Anthony Joshua to fight a fit and healthy Tyson Fury in the near futureCredit: Getty Images

Then Joshua added the WBA and IBO belts to his repertoire when he sensationally stopped Wladimir Klitschko in round 11 at Wembley Stadium on April 30.

These were vacated by Fury when he chose to concentrate on his well documented problems outside the ring.

But Warren believes Fury has rightful claim to all these titles, and is desperate to see a huge domestic fight between Joshua and Fury.

Speaking to BT Sport, Warren said: "Tyson wants to fight, it's what he should be doing, fighting.

"I know mentally he's got himself back to where he was when he won the world title, and the game needs him.

 Anthony Joshua added another two world titles to the IBF belts, all of which were given up by Tyson Fury
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Anthony Joshua added another two world titles to the IBF belts, all of which were given up by Tyson FuryCredit: Getty Images

"He didn't lose his titles in the ring, he vacated them, and the luck of him vacating wound up that Anthony Joshua fought a pretty easy to win the title [IBF, vs Charles Martin].

"And then Tyson's rematch with Klitschko, after he beat him so convincingly, fell apart when he [Fury] decided he wasn't going to fight.

"And that again was Anthony Joshua's gain, and the fans too because it was a fantastic fight for the both of them [against Klitschko].

"But until Joshua beats Fury, if he can beat Fury, he's not got the world title.

"He's looking after the belts for the man who vacated them."

 

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