Fury fired shots at Usyk as he steps up his training ahead of May 18

ANTHONY JOSHUA has climbed up Ring Magazine’s rankings after his devastating victory over Francis Ngannou.

AJ wasted no time in the ring against the MMA superstar as he secured a brutal second round knockout earlier this month.

Anthony Joshua has risen up the heavyweight standings after beating Francis NgannouCredit: Reuters

Tyson Fury has laughed off the new rankingsCredit: Getty

The former heavyweight champion sent his rival to the canvas in the opening round and then hit the deck again before his lights were put out with a powerful right-hand.

Joshua has now has now won four bouts in a row against Ngannou, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin after his back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

His strong recent performances have seen him climb up from third to second in the Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings.

Joseph Parker has also risen up the list following his two huge victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.

Tyson Fury laughed at the new rankings, saying on social media: “I’m the craziest MF out there.

“I gave up Ring belt so I could win it three times.”

Oleksandr Usyk maintains the Ring magazine title, having first secured the crown in his second win over AJ in 2022.

He is ready to put that belt as well as his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO titles on the line as he faces Fury on May 18.

The £100million Fight of the Century was initially set to take place on February 17, only for the Gypsy King to pull out as he sustained a nasty cut above his eye.

Fury is in training ahead of the bout, going for a run with his team this morning.

Joshua blasts ‘f*** Tyson Fury’ after overhearing rival’s commentary on DAZN for Francis Ngannou

And he even had the time to fire shots at his Ukrainian rival in an Instagram video while jogging.

The undefeated Brit said: “It’s our nine week anniversary until Usyk gets f***ing battered.”