Morecambe's Tyson Fury offers Anthony Joshua 'Battle of Britain' fight before end of year

Tyson Fury has offered Anthony Joshua the chance to fight for his WBC heavyweight title before the end of this year.

Fury, who lives in Morecambe, is searching for a high-profile opponent in his next bout after rival champion Oleksandr Usyk indicated he does not intend to return to the ring until 2023.

Joshua suffered a second consecutive defeat to the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia last month and his promoter Eddie Hearn is currently considering options for a return early next year.

Fury said in a video posted on social media: "You've all heard that I'm going to be fighting within the next few months, and before I announce an opponent I need to do this just in case.

"Anthony Joshua, I know you've just lost a fight to Usyk, and I know you're belt-less at the moment, and I'd like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months.

"You're coming off a 12-round fight so you're match fit, you're ready, I'm giving you a few months' notice.

"If you're interested I'll send you the date over and we can rumble - a battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. Let me know if you're interested, if not I will select another opponent."

Joshua responded to the call on Twitter, saying he did not want to get involved in an "online discussion" he would be "ready in December" if Fury was serious.