Joshua and Usyk on Fury's 'retirement'

Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) and Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) on the occasion of yesterday's media event in Jeddah, which announced Saturday's fight for three heavyweight belts, commented on a recent statement Tyson Fury (31-0-1, 23 KOs) about the end of his sports career.

Joshua, when asked if he would feel like the best heavyweight in the world if he beat Usyk, replied: “No! Until Fury retires 100 percent. Otherwise, I will have to defeat Fury first. Our fight would be very important for British boxing."

Usyk commented on Fury's decision to end his career as follows: "First, you need to be sure what Fury will actually do. In the meantime, I have a fight with Joshua, and only after it will I be able to talk about Tyson. Step by step!"

Last week, Tyson Fury officially relinquished his belt from The Ring magazine. The WBC gave the Briton time to make a decision until August 26 - by this time he will have to inform in writing whether he leaves his champion title vacant.