Tyson Fury challenges Anthony Joshua to fight for his WBC championship belt

'Gypsy King' had been expected to take on Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed crown

Tyson Fury celebrates with his belts after beating Dillian Whyte by sixth-round stoppage. AP

Tyson Fury celebrates his knockout win over Dillian Whyte to retain his WBC heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022 as referee Mark Lyson supports Whyte on the ropes. Reuters

Tyson Fury celebrates with his wife Paris, right, and trainer SugarHill Steward. AP

Tyson Fury knocks down Dillian Whyte during their WBC heavyweight title fight. AP

Tyson Fury celebrates after knocking down Dillian Whyte during their WBC heavyweight title fight. PA

Dillian Whyte is surrounded by his team after his defeat to Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium. PA

Tyson Fury throws a jab at Dillian Whyte. AP

Tyson Fury lands a right cross on Dillian Whyte during their WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Tyson Fury lands a body punch on Dillian Whyte during the WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Dillian Whyte lands a reaching cross on Tyson Fury during their WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte exchange punches during their WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Tyson Fury during his ring walk ahead of his WBC heavyweight title fight against Dillian Whyte. PA

Fireworks are set off during Tyson Fury's ring walk for his WBC heavyweight title boxing fight against Dillian Whyte. AP

Tyson Fury sits on a throne during his ring walk to face Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium. Getty

Tyson Fury pumps his arms to the crowd during his ring walk to fight Dillian Whyte. Getty

Tyson Fury soaks up the cheers from the crowd during his ring walk ahead of his fight against Dillian Whyte. Reuters

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.