‘My schedule is free’ – Tyson Fury called out by rival Joe Joyce for February fight as Brit climbs up WBC rankings
TYSON FURY has been called out for a February bout by British heavyweight rival Joe Joyce.
The Juggernaut, 36, boasts an undefeated record - having impressively taken care of Daniel Dubois and Carlos Takam in his last two outings.
And while Joyce respects Fury, he is eager to get in the ring with him.
Alongside a picture of the smiling duo posing together, he wrote on Instagram: "I have got lots of respect for @gypsyking101 as a friend and as a fighter, but my schedule is free in February #letsdothis #WBO1 #WBC2 #THEJUGGERNAUT 👊🏾"
Fury, however, is not expected to return to the ring until March.
It was widely believed that the Gypsy King would next be in action against Dillian Whyte.
But the 33-year-old may have to take care of Otto Wallin first, who he was supposed to face last month before pulling out with a shoulder injury.
Fury's US promoter Bob Arum recently told Boxing News 24: “Dillian Whyte is not the mandatory, and that’s what the WBC hasn’t done. Dillian Whyte has an obligation to fight Wallin, and we’ll see.
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“But again, in March, I’d like Tyson Fury to fight in the UK.
"And I would think among the opponents would be Dillian Whyte or maybe this big English guy, Joe Joyce.”
The 13-0 Brit is currently only ranked behind Whyte, Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr in the WBC rankings.
Asked by about the prospect of Fury fighting Joyce, Frank Warren said: "I was talking to Tyson about him. Tyson said that he's the best one out there.
"That's what Tyson's opinion was. Can he go all the way? Yes he can. He's got a good ticker, a big heart.
"He's strong, he walks forwards, he is the 'Juggernaut'. Whoever he's in there with, you know they will have a problem getting rid of him.
"He's a tough guy. He can fight a bit. He can punch."
Fury, 33, is currently helping younger brother Tommy to prepare for his bout with Jake Paul next month, for which the Gypsy King will corner him.