Anthony Joshua believes Tyson Fury will defeat Deontay Wilder in their rematch on February 22.

Joshua is obviously eyeing the massive heavyweight clash between his two rivals with keen interest due to his desire to meet the winner in a unification bout. And, while Joshua vs. Wilder might have the more global interest as of now, Joshua believes it’ll be his fellow Brit Fury who walks out of Las Vegas the victor next month.

“I think Fury’s gonna win,” Joshua said, speaking with iFLtv. “I just think that a man who came so close the first time won’t let it go the second time. People say that Fury won anyway. Who knows, I hope he’s in better condition [than] after a three year lay off. Maybe he was motivated at the time, who knows, but providing he’s been consistent and he’s got rid of the rust and the cobwebs, he should be victorious.

“He came so close to doing it the first time. I think he’s a man who can do it again for sure.”

Joshua has been linked to a boxing bout with both men for a number of years now, only for boxing’s infamous negotiations to get scupper any actual contest. Yesterday, however, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn stated it was now time to simply go 50/50 on any financial agreements in order to get a deal across the line.

Despite those words, Joshua remains somewhat unswayed.

“It’s got to be right in my head,” Joshua said. “I’m going into fight, I’m going into war. I got to know what I’m warring for.”