Tyson Fury has accused Anthony Joshua of avoiding their proposed heavyweight showdown after a disagreement over the venue and financial terms put the fight in doubt.
The dispute centres on plans to stage the contest in New York. Joshua’s team, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, is reportedly unwilling to agree to the change without certain conditions being met.
Earlier reports indicated that Joshua’s original contract required the fight to take place in the UK, while Fury’s agreement did not include the same restriction. A proposed date of November 20 at Madison Square Garden later emerged, with organisers believing a US event could attract a larger audience and generate greater revenue.
However, the New York plan has faced resistance. While other parties were reportedly open to the move, Joshua and Matchroom sought further guarantees before signing off on the revised arrangements.
Matchroom subsequently presented organisers with an addendum outlining the terms required for Joshua to accept the venue change. One of the key issues reportedly concerns outstanding payment from Joshua’s July victory over Kristian Prenga. If the conditions cannot be resolved, Joshua’s side is expected to insist that the fight takes place in the UK under the terms of the original agreement.
Fury reacted angrily to the ongoing negotiations, claiming the financial demands were putting the entire event at risk.
“It doesn't look like they are going to sign the fight, and it doesn't look like it is going to happen, all because Eddie Hearn and that want more money,” Fury said.
Fury also criticised Joshua and Hearn over their previous business dealings with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, arguing that they had already benefited significantly from major commercial opportunities.
“They have had that much money off Turki over the last few years. Eddie and AJ have had boxing deals, darts deals, snooker deals — they have had everything.”
He continued his attack by questioning why further financial demands were being made and ended with a blunt message to Joshua’s camp.
“Keep on running, you cowards.”
