Tyson Fury has raised fresh concerns over his proposed heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua, claiming the long-awaited all-British showdown may no longer go ahead because of an unresolved disagreement over the venue and financial terms.
Fury and Joshua had been expected to face each other in November in what would rank among the biggest British boxing events in history. However, talks have become increasingly difficult over whether the bout should be staged in the United Kingdom or the United States.
Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, reportedly want the fight to take place in Britain in line with an earlier agreement, while Saudi organisers and other parties involved in the negotiations are favouring Madison Square Garden in New York.
Speaking on social media, Fury blamed Joshua and Hearn for the uncertainty surrounding the proposed contest.
“Doesn’t look like they’re going to sign the fight and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen all because Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua want more money,” Fury said.
Hearn has argued that taking the bout to the United States would create tax consequences for Joshua, potentially reducing the amount the former world champion would earn compared with a fight staged in the UK.
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Fury responded by attacking Joshua and Hearn, calling them “disgusting” and “money-thirsty” while also questioning Joshua’s willingness to fight him.
“I’ll move on and fight somebody else but just know you never had the guts to fight Tyson Fury, ever,” Fury said.
The proposed contest has the backing of Saudi organisers and is expected to be streamed by Netflix, with New York currently considered one of the leading options for the venue. However, an official location for the fight has yet to be agreed.
Despite Fury’s latest comments, Hearn has previously insisted that discussions are still continuing and that Joshua remains eager to face his fellow Briton.
With negotiations yet to produce a final agreement, the dispute over where the fight should be held and how much Joshua would earn has once again put the highly anticipated heavyweight encounter in doubt.