Tyson Fury has taken to social media to rather surprisingly defend his usual nemesis Anthony Joshua and has slammed critics for belittling the former world champion in the process, saying his rival has “made it in life.”

In a passionate post, Fury implored fans to see reason and stop putting Joshua down after losing two of his past four boxing bouts – losing his world titles on both occasions.

As we all know, AJ lost to Andy Ruiz Jr first up, before then losing to Oleksandr Usyk, taking his professional record to 24-2.

Taking Joshua’s side for once, Fury said: “I’m Tyson Fury and this is my defence of AJ.

“Everyone says AJ’s a bum, he’s this, he’s that, he can’t fight because he’s lost a few. But AJ has made it in life. This man can go to the pub every day and drink Peroni if he wants to. He can go on holiday every day; he can play with his kids every day of his life.”

Concluding his impassioned rant, Fury ended with an emphatic remark: “So I don’t want to hear any more of this bull**** that AJ’s useless, he’s this, he’s that, he can’t fight. The man’s made it!”

Having emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the sporting world, Olympic medallist Joshua took to the professional stage and won each of his first 22 fights, going to decision only once and unifying the heavyweight world titles.

Since this point, seismic defeats to Ruiz Jr. and Usyk have dented his imperious former demeanour, and the British star has since been subject of intense criticism.

Joshua is currently preparing for a pivotal rematch against Usyk, slated for August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the IBF, WBA, and WBO belts up for grabs once more.

Having defeated Ruiz Jr. in their sequel, Joshua will be confident in instilling confidence back into an anxious fanbase and reclaiming his throne once again when he takes on the undefeated Ukrainian.