Tyson Fury avoided the chance to kick Anthony Joshua while he’s down as he spoke for the first time publicly since his rival’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
AJ was outboxed and ultimately dethroned by the Ukrainian, who put on a magnificent performance to make history at Spurs’ stadium in London.
The new champion’s speed, movement and accuracy troubled Joshua all night long.
Joshua had moments of success throughout the fight, but could not maintain this for long enough to emerge victorious.
Usyk ultimately outclassed Joshua and had him out on his feet in the final round, with the bell saving AJ from being knocked out.
The scores were 117-112, 116-112, 115-113, crowning Usyk a two-division king of the world as the former cruiserweight champion took hold of the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.
“I haven’t really thought about Usyk or Joshua,” said Fury on a call to promote his trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder, live on talkSPORT on October 9.
“One thing I will say though while everyone’s listening is I’ve got no interest in slating anybody or kicking anybody while they’re down.
“It ain’t my style.
“I like to pick on someone who’s doing well, successful, on top of the game.
“I don’t like picking on people who are down, probably at their lowest point and probably mentally unstable and unwell with a big loss after such a long reign.
“So Usyk done his job, he had to do what he had to do, and that’s that.
“And Joshua’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. None of my real business.”
When asked what advice he had for AJ to take into the rematch, Fury later added: “You can only do your best in boxing.
“If it’s not good enough, you don’t win. And if it is good enough, you move on to the next one.
“There’s no secret, no rocket science to boxing…
“If it’s not going your way with the one game plan you have, change it up and do something different.
“Give your best, give all you can, leave it all in the ring, and don’t be a ‘woulda, shoulda, coulda’.
“My advice to Joshua in the rematch is get stuck in the best way he knows how.
“Put his best foot forward and swing away Jack, swing away.”
Fury concluded: “Did I watch the fight? Yes I did.
“Was I absolutely wounded that he won? Yes I was. I was hoping Joshua could win the fight, but he couldn’t – and that’s none of my business.
“The only thing I’m bothered about is beating Deontay Wilder, and that’s the most dangerous heavyweight out there.
“In my opinion, Wilder beats Joshua, Usyk, all the rest of the division, comfortable – but he cannot beat me.”
talkSPORT will have live and exclusive radio commentary of Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 from Las Vegas on October 9.