The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury remains uncertain as both camps continue to struggle to finalise contracts despite growing public anticipation.
Reports indicate that Team Fury has already signed the proposed agreement, while Joshua is yet to put pen to paper, raising fresh doubts over whether the blockbuster clash will finally happen after years of speculation.
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The latest twist in the rivalry unfolded following Fury’s stoppage victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the fight, Fury called out Joshua, who was seated ringside, urging him to enter the ring. Joshua declined, prompting Fury to express frustration backstage.
According to Fury, Joshua missed an opportunity to show commitment to the contest.
“He didn’t want the smoke. He came ringside to make the fight. If it was me, I’d have jumped in the ring. Ten years in the making and there’s still uncertainty if it’s going to happen,” Fury said.
The WBC heavyweight champion also warned that if Joshua is not his next opponent, he could consider walking away from boxing entirely.
Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh had earlier hinted that the fight was close to being confirmed, while streaming platform Netflix reportedly listed the bout for autumn before promoter Frank Warren dismissed the reports.
Joshua’s hesitation may not be without reason. Fury’s victory over Makhmudov was viewed largely as a comeback fight, while Joshua has competed only once in the last 18 months, stopping YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round in December.
The former unified heavyweight champion is also recovering emotionally from a tragic car accident in December that claimed the lives of two close friends. Joshua referenced the incident when discussing the delay in finalising the fight agreement.
A proposed warm-up bout against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25 could provide Joshua with valuable ring time before stepping into a high-profile contest against Fury.
Fury, however, dismissed the idea of interim fights, insisting that every fight carries risks regardless of the opponent.
“We’ve all had problems — that’s life. Taking interim fights, you can get chinned by anyone,” Fury added.
Meanwhile, Dublin’s Croke Park has emerged as a possible venue for the fight should both camps eventually reach an agreement.
Despite questions surrounding their current form and age, Joshua and Fury remain two of the biggest attractions in British boxing.
