Anthony Joshua is back,and he’s not pulling any punches. After a headline-grabbing knockout of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, Joshua wasted no time in reigniting the hype for a long-overdue clash with Tyson Fury. The former heavyweight champ didn’t just win; he used his victory lap to throw down the gauntlet, daring Fury to prove he’s more than just talk.

Let’s be real: Joshua’s win over Paul was never in doubt. The social media star was out of his depth, and Joshua’s experience showed. But the real story isn’t the fight,it’s the callout. Joshua, fresh off a 15-month break, made it clear he wants Fury next, and he’s not interested in any more Twitter drama. “Step in the ring with me next if you’re a real bad boy,” Joshua taunted, practically daring Fury to stop hiding behind his online persona.

The timing couldn’t be juicier. Rumors are swirling that Fury, who’s been flirting with retirement, might actually be ready to lace up the gloves again. Promoter Frank Warren claims Fury is “indicating” he’s up for the mega-fight, but fans have heard it all before. The back-and-forth between these two British heavyweights has dragged on for years, with more false starts than a dodgy referee. Is this finally the moment?

Joshua’s camp is all in. Eddie Hearn, never one to miss a headline, declared, “We want the Tyson Fury fight, of course. That’s the fight, the biggest fight.” No surprise there,this is the only bout anyone cares about, and the payday would be massive.

As for the Paul fight, Joshua was blunt: “It wasn’t the best performance.” But let’s not kid ourselves,he was never in danger. Paul got up a few times, sure, but he was outclassed from the start. Joshua even threw Paul a bone, saying, “You have to give Jake his respect for trying.” Translation: nice try, kid, but this is the big leagues.

Joshua also made it clear he’s not worried about legacy or Paul’s punch power. “I refuse to get hurt. I refuse to acknowledge getting hurt,” he said, brushing off any suggestion that Paul was a real threat. For Joshua, it’s all about doing what he wants,and right now, what he wants is Fury.

So, what’s next? The ball is in Fury’s court. Will the “Gypsy King” finally step up, or will he keep ducking the fight fans have been demanding for years? The pressure is on, and the world is watching. One thing’s for sure: Joshua has set the stage for the biggest showdown in British boxing. Now it’s up to Fury to prove he’s not all talk.