Heavyweight champion responds to Anthony Joshua targeting him after Tyson Fury: “Let’s do it”

Anthony Joshua may encounter perhaps the heaviest power puncher in the division before facing Tyson Fury in their clash, the Battle of Britain on December 11.

The contest will take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with the victor poised to claim the WBA ‘super’ title and emerge a three‑time world champion.

Despite Murat Gassiev holding the sanctioning body’s sole heavyweight title—Oleksandr Usyk vacating his three major belts in June—the previous landscape shifts dramatically.

Earlier, Gassiev captured the WBA ‘regular’ crown by defeating Kubrat Pulev with a decisive sixth‑round knockout last December.

He subsequently secured the same distinction again later that year when he outboxed Peter Kadiru in July, widely regarded as a strong defense of his full WBA title.

The recent Fury‑Joshua announcement leaves uncertainty about Gassiev’s championship standing, yet fair regard acknowledges that the 36‑year‑old would welcome the opportunity when the time comes.

In a social‑media post on BoxingScene, Gassiev publicly accepts the challenger’s invitation and declares he is ready to meet him anytime, anywhere.

“Hi, Anthony. I heard you want to fight me. Let’s do it. I’m ready. Anytime, anywhere. See you.”

Although AJ looks eager to test himself against Gassiev sometime in 2027, many analysts anticipate a difficult fight against Fury—a fighter still battling inconsistent form, having recently dispatched Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach early this year.

From Shaw’s perspective, the upcoming encounter will begin as an underdog, as he recorded two knockdowns before finishing a rival in the second round with Kristian Prenga in July.

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