Fury says fight with Joshua looks unlikely with venue yet to be agreed

Tyson Fury, the two-time world heavyweight champion, has suggested that his highly anticipated rematch against Anthony Joshua is unlikely to take place due to unresolved issues surrounding the venue and financial arrangements. The proposed bout, which many had considered one of the most significant matchups in British boxing history, was initially set for November following the signing of contracts involving Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. Fury expressed frustration with Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, accusing them of prioritizing monetary gain over the realization of the fight. In a series of posts on Instagram, Fury used strong language to criticize Hearn and Joshua, suggesting their demands for additional funding were unreasonable given past earnings from Alalshikh. He claimed that both Joshua and Hearn had already benefited significantly from previous deals with the Saudi businessman, including those in boxing, darts, and snooker. According to multiple reports, Joshua and Hearn had reportedly signed a contract for the fight to occur in the United Kingdom. However, there appears to be disagreement regarding the location, with Saudi organizers advocating for a shift to the United States, potentially at Madison Square Garden in New York. This divergence in preferences has complicated the planning process and left the exact venue uncertain. Fury, who will turn 38 in August, has stated that Joshua is seeking a larger purse for the match. Fury emphasized that despite the substantial sums already earned from Alalshikh, Joshua and Hearn have shown a willingness to request further financial compensation. He described this behavior as unacceptable and called them "disgusting," indicating he might pursue other opponents if the fight does not materialize. Fury made his comeback to professional boxing in January after retiring in December 2024 following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in a bout for three of the four major world titles. His return came after a period of retirement marked by personal challenges and public statements about stepping away from the sport. The potential clash between Fury and Joshua had faced obstacles previously. In 2021, the pair could not reach an agreement on the terms of the fight, leading to its cancellation. Later, a U.S. judge mandated that Fury face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy fight instead, further complicating the scheduling for a Fury-Joshua matchup. Despite these setbacks, the possibility of a Fury-Joshua confrontation remained a topic of interest among fans and analysts alike. The fight had been anticipated to draw massive audiences, particularly given the high-profile status of both fighters within British boxing circles. However, with ongoing disputes over financial and logistical aspects, the likelihood of the bout occurring anytime soon remains unclear. Fury's comments reflect growing tensions between the two camps, with each side seemingly unwilling to compromise on key issues. While Fury has indicated he may seek alternative opponents, the absence of a confirmed venue continues to hinder progress toward finalizing the fight. As negotiations continue, the future of the Fury-Joshua rivalry hangs in the balance, dependent on whether both parties can find common ground on the remaining outstanding matters.