Tuesday 26 September 2017 12:25, UK
Anthony Joshua expects Tyson Fury to rediscover his passion for boxing because he will “find peace” inside the ring.
Fury has not boxed for nearly two years, since ending Wladimir Klitschko's world heavyweight title reign, due to issues concerning mental health, anti-doping and his boxing licence.
Asked if he expected Fury to return, Joshua told Sky Sports: "In my heart, I do. It's all we know. It's what we've given our youth to, and our young adult life to.
It's all we know. It's what we've given our youth to, and our young adult life to.
"You can have a year or two off through mistakes and complacency but, deep down, it's all you know so you'll always come home.
"The boxing ring is where he will find peace."
Fury is still waiting for the resumption of his hearing with UK Anti-Doping, after being charged with "the presence of a prohibited substance", before his boxing future can be resolved. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed to Sky Sports that, as of Thursday, they had not been notified of a new start date.
Meanwhile, Joshua will next defend his IBF and WBA gold against Kubrat Pulev at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and rates his next opponent among the most dangerous rivals in the division.
"My biggest threat is two people," Joshua said. "My next challenger, because if I make one slip-up it all goes wrong, Kubrat Pulev.
"Loads of experience, really good jab, he's always kept himself at world title level. He's very talented, in that sense.
"Deontay Wilder is making noise in the States and that's a fight that people want to see. So Wilder is a threat, as well.
"I can't let myself down. I'm capable of beating everyone - this is my ego talking - but I've got to keep my feet firmly on the ground."
