Anthony Joshua: I'll give Tyson Fury a 'warm welcome' back to boxing

Anthony Joshua says he will give fellow Briton Tyson Fury a "warm welcome" back to the ring following his doping ban.

It was revealed last week that Fury is free to resume his career after accepting a backdated two-year ban.

The former heavyweight champion tested positive for a banned steroid in 2015, but blamed the result on eating uncastrated wild boar.

Joshua, who holds the WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, says Fury would be "another good fight on my resume".

Tyson Fury accepted a two-year backdated ban from UK Anti-Doping

Of Fury's ban, he said: "You do the crime, you gotta do the time.

"He's done that so we give him a warm welcome back and long may Tyson Fury reign."

Speaking to Newsbeat at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year, he said: "I support everyone and I don't wish any negativity on anyone.

"When he's ready, I think I'll definitely be here to take the challenge."

AJ defended both of his titles against Carlos Takam in October

With Fury expected to regain his boxing licence, it means there are a few possible contenders for Joshua in 2018.

Asked who he's most looking forward to fighting next year, he says Joseph Parker is top of the list.

"I think Parker, then it puts me in a really strong position to get the fight with [Deontay] Wilder. I think that'll be a massive, massive fight."

Parker, who's from New Zealand, holds the WBO title.

Joshua insists he's not an easier opponent than American Wilder, who holds the remaining heavyweight belt.

Joseph Parker won the WBO world heavyweight title in September

"There's no such thing as an easy fight I don't think. All of them carry power, they've all got knockout power.

"But I think what it is with him [Parker], if I'm speaking in terms of getting him in the ring, I think he's more realistic."

Joshua added on: "I think he actually does want to fight.

"Whereas the rest of them, they do want to fight but I think they're expecting massive rewards."

Wilder called out Joshua in an Instagram post in November.

It's thought Joshua and Parker are close to agreeing a fight for March or April 2018.

"Parker understands that this is an opportunity. I want to fight so let's get it on. So that's why I'm keen to fight him because it's more realistic," he said.

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