Tyson Fury has called out rival Anthony Joshua for a world title fight before the end of the year.
The WBC champion, who last month retired before quickly announcing he had gone back on the decision, posted a video on Monday in which he offered Joshua the chance to take him on for his belt.
Joshua, the former WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion, lost his rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah on August 20 by split decision, with Fury seemingly set now to take on the Ukrainian for the undisputed crown.
However, in a video released on his social media, the Brit boxer said as he stood with his belts: "Tyson Fury here. Aka the ‘Gypsy King’, the WBC heavyweight champion of the world - as you can tell.
"I think you've all heard that I'm going to be fighting soon - within the next few months. And I think that before I announce an opponent, that I need to do this just in case.
"Anthony Joshua, I know you just lost a fight to Usyk and you're beltless at the moment. But I'd like to give you an opportunity to fight for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months.
"You're coming off a 12-round fight, so you're match-fit, you're ready. I'm giving you a few months' notice. So if you're interested, I'll send you the date over and we can rumble.
"A Battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. Let me know if you're interested. If not, I will select another opponent."
The unbeaten Fury, 34, had been planning for a money-spinning clash with Usyk, but said at the weekend that the former undisputed cruiserweight champion – also undefeated as a professional – was running scared. Usyk, 32, subsequently laughed off those suggestions. Fury said he would move onto announcing another opponent this week.
Joshua, meanwhile, is expected to return to the ring in December after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time in his pro career. The Englishman, 32, lost his initial bout with Usyk last year, via unanimous decision.
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Oleksandr Usyk after retaining his world heavyweight titles in a split decision against Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. PA -
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates winning his fight against Anthony Joshua. Action Images -
Oleksandr Usyk after winning in Jeddah. PA -
Oleksandr Usyk reacts after his victory. PA -
Anthony Joshua speaks to the crowd following his defeat against Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah. Getty -
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk touch gloves at the end of the fight. PA -
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with his belts and his team. Getty -
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates after retaining his world heavyweight titles. PA -
Anthony Joshua looks angry. Getty -
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the flag of Ukraine. Getty -
Oleksandr Usyk after winning his fight against Anthony Joshua. Action Images -
Oleksandr Usyk after winning his fight against Anthony Joshua. Action Images -
Anthony Joshua on the front foot against Oleksandr Usyk. PA -
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk trade punches. Getty -
Anthony Joshua evades a right. Getty -
Oleksandr Usyk after receiving a low blow. Action Images -
Oleksandr Usyk lands a right on Anthony Joshua. Getty -
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk in action at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah. PA -
The ring is cleaned between rounds. Reuters -
Anthony Joshua evades a punch from Oleksandr Usyk. Getty -
Anthony Joshua with a body shot. Action Images -
Oleksandr Usyk throws a right. Action Images -
Oleksandr Usyk in action against Anthony Joshua. Action Images -
Anthony Joshua made a low-key entrance at King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah. Getty -
Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn before the fight. PA
