Arizona Tribune - Former heavyweight king Fury outpoints Makhmudov, calls out Joshua

Two-time former world champion Fury, back after a 15-month absence, won 120-108 on two of the judges' scorecards, with the other ruling he had defeated his Russian opponent 119-109 after the maximum 12 rounds.

Makhmudov made a strong start to the first round at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, throwing a left and connecting with an overhand right.

But by the third round Makhmudov was already showing signs of fatigue, with Fury switching stances and hitting a one-two off the Russian's chin.

The fight, watched by Joshua at ringside, continued in similar fashion until the final bell.

Fury, 37, then leaned over the ropes and invited Joshua into the ring.

Joshua refused but the two former world heavyweight champions exchanged words and Fury was pulled back by the referee before the result was announced.

After his victory had been confirmed, Fury said: "I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next. Do you accept?"

Joshua, 36, did not reply immediately but eventually said: "I punched you up when we were kids and I'll punch you up again.

"You aren't going to tell me what to do, I've been chasing you for 10 years.

"I'm the boss, you work for me. I'm the landlord. You work for me."

A.Clark--AT