Anthony Joshua refuses Tyson Fury face-off: Mind games or missed opportunity?

Anthony Joshua has been widely accused of allowing a golden opportunity to pass him by, while others might argue his refusal to come face-to-face with Tyson Fury was a stroke of genius.

The 36-year-old was encouraged by Fury to enter the ring last Saturday, shortly after seeing his rival claim a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makkmudov.

Suffice to say, it was hardly a vintage performance from ‘The Gypsy King’, who at times looked his age as he trundled through 12 rounds of forgettable action.

Recognising this, Joshua was quick to remind his countryman of the sparring session they shared in 2010, back when ‘AJ’ was competing as an amateur and Fury had amassed just 11 professional outings.

At the time, a 21-year-old Fury was singing Joshua’s praises, admitting to boxing journalist Steve Bunce that: “If I’d have had a bit of a weak chin, I’d have been knocked out for a month.”

Could it be that Joshua is playing early mind games by recalling their apparently one-sided sparring session?

Despite it taking place over 15 years ago, it is certainly a worthwhile story to mention, especially given how honest Fury was in his interview with Bunce.

And, generally speaking, it did seem as though Joshua was looking for some form of psychological edge during his verbal exchange with Fury, even if just by declining his offer of a face-off.

Not even the 37-year-old’s WWE-style rhetoric was enough to lure Joshua into the ring, as the Olympic gold medallist instead decided to remain seated.

“I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, ‘The Gypsy King’, next,” Fury had said, clearly attempting to command the audience at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Do you accept my challenge?”

In response, Joshua initially accused his rival of being a “clout chaser”, before saying: "Tyson, I've never had no problem getting in the ring with you. I punched you up when we were kids [in sparring] and, after watching you here tonight, I'll punch you up again.

"You ain't gonna tell me what to do; I've been chasing you for the last 10 years. I’m the boss – you work for me. I’m the landlord.”

By declining their face-off, many felt that Joshua failed to capitalise on a chance to jump aboard the hype train, which powerbroker Turki Alalshikh was clearly eager to see depart from the station.

The reality, however, is that this train has been chugging along for quite some time, only without a clear route towards its final destination.

But while a lot of people would have paid good money to see the pair collide several years ago, there is still an appetite for them to lock horns in their mid-to-late thirties.

And despite Joshua denying Netflix an early promo-worthy moment, it could hardly be said that he has lost all interest in a long-awaited clash with Fury.

Instead, the two-time world champion is perhaps waiting to see what business can be done at the negotiating table, while also making a conscious effort to stand his own ground.

By saying: “You ain't gonna tell me what to do”, Joshua was effectively sending a message that he will not dance to Fury’s tune.

Whether that implies him planning a strong stance at the negotiating table, or just simply not wishing to grant Fury’s request of a face-off, it would seem that Joshua is attempting to play the Morecambe man at his own game: Seeking an early advantage in their mental warfare.

Either that, or he simply had no energy to climb down from his ringside seat.