Anthony Joshua has criticized Tyson Fury’s treatment of Oleksandr Usyk before Fury’s recent defeat.

Fury faced a similar fate to Joshua last month, losing to Usyk on points and missing the chance to become the undisputed champion.

Before his loss, Fury had called the Ukrainian a ‘rabbit,’ mocking his size and suggesting it would be an easy fight.

Joshua believes Fury got what he deserved and condemned his behavior.

“I’m glad Fury isn’t the undisputed champion. I just think he’s an idiot,” Joshua told reporters. “If it was someone else, I might think it was a shame. I’ve always said he’s an idiot, he’s very disrespectful.

“Not that I care, but he seems to think belittling others makes him feel better. I’m not competing with anyone. I’m in my own lane, but he has to step on people to make himself feel good, and that’s not right.

“The way he disrespected Usyk, calling him ‘rabbit’ and ‘middleweight,’ it’s bad for the sport. If I respect you and you respect me, we can elevate this sport and show that we are two of the most elite fighters in the world.

“But Fury will step on you and make you look like someone who just walked out of a pub and isn’t on his level. Then he gets beaten, and he deserves it.”

Joshua and Fury were previously on good terms, but their rivalry has intensified over the years due to failed attempts to arrange a fight. They even had a heated FaceTime conversation with Saudi boxing chief HE Turki Alalshikh, discussing a potential showdown.

Joshua, who has also lost twice to Usyk, is still chasing a fight with Fury, potentially in 2025. Fury, meanwhile, is set to seek revenge against Usyk on December 21, and he is confident about his chances.

Joshua’s next fight is against Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title on September 21. A win could set up a match with the winner of the Fury-Usyk rematch. The former Olympic gold medallist insists he won’t wait until he’s 40 to face Fury and questions Fury’s boxing record.

“I don’t mind anymore whether he wins or loses. I just want to fight him, it’s been dragging on,” Joshua said. “Fury ducks a lot of people, he doesn’t fight many top-tier opponents. He needs to get on with it and come fight me and stop wasting my time.

“I don’t want to wait until I’m 40, 41, 42 to fight him. He’s put himself in a position to make his own decisions. As for the fans, I know what they want. We tried to make the fight happen, it was signed, and then it fell apart. Hopefully, after this, we can finally get it on.”