The short version
- Tyson Fury publicly stated that his anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua is unlikely to proceed due to unresolved contractual issues.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn insists the bout should remain in the UK, while Saudi organizers prefer a US location to maximize American viewership.
- Disputes over tax implications and compensation have stalled negotiations, with Fury accusing Hearn of prioritizing money over the event.
The highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua appears increasingly unlikely to materialize as scheduled for November. Fury took to social media to express his frustration, stating that the fight does not look like it will happen. His comments marked a sharp escalation in tensions between the two British boxing stars and their respective management teams. The uncertainty stems from a complex web of contractual obligations involving promoters, Saudi Arabian organizers, and competing interests over where the event should take place.
At the center of the dispute is the location of the bout. Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, have signed agreements stipulating that the fight be staged in the United Kingdom. However, organizers from Saudi Arabia, specifically the Sela company which holds contracts with both fighters, are pushing for the event to move to the United States. New York’s Madison Square Garden is understood to be the preferred venue for Sela. This preference aligns with their strategy to broadcast the fight on Netflix and capture a larger American audience, thereby maximizing global revenue potential.
Hearn has outlined specific reasons why moving the fight to America presents significant challenges. He noted that staging the bout in the US would result in lower compensation for Joshua due to different tax implications compared to fighting in the UK. Hearn stated that a list of required changes for an American venue had been sent to Sela, covering not just financial adjustments but also practical matters such as travel logistics, accreditation, and media arrangements. He emphasized that these addendums were approved by Joshua and his legal team before submission.
Fury responded to Hearn’s position with a series of aggressive posts on Instagram. He accused Hearn and Joshua of being driven primarily by money, calling them "disgusting" and "money-thirsty." Fury suggested that the reluctance to move the fight was a tactic to extract more funds rather than a genuine logistical concern. He mocked his rival, claiming Joshua lacked the courage to face him regardless of the venue. Fury’s rhetoric included personal insults, labeling Hearn a "bag carrier" and criticizing Joshua’s mindset as cowardly.
The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of Zuffa Boxing, a promotion jointly owned by Sela and TKO Group Holdings. Dana White, formerly known for his role in the UFC, is among the executive leaders of this new venture. Hearn criticized the push to stage the fight in America, suggesting that TKO and Zuffa have convinced Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Sela, that the event holds massive appeal in the US market. He argued that White’s involvement was driving the desire for an American location, rather than organic demand or logistical necessity.
Hearn also addressed reports regarding leaked emails and outstanding payments. He denied that certain issues raised in a leaked email were part of the official addendum sent to Sela. While he confirmed that Matchroom held meetings with Sela regarding money owed for previously agreed contracts, including those related to darts and snooker events, he insisted these financial matters were separate from the Joshua-Fury contract. He declined to comment on reports that Joshua was still owed money from his recent fight against Kristian Prenga, stating that such contractual positions would be addressed at another time.
Support for keeping the fight in Britain remains strong within the boxing community. Hearn argued that staging the bout in the UK is vital for British boxing culture, benefiting amateur clubs and inspiring young fans. He highlighted Joshua’s history in Britain, including his Olympic gold medal win in London 2012 and his subsequent world championship victories. For Hearn, the location is not just about attendance numbers but about preserving the legacy of British heavyweight boxing and ensuring the event resonates with its home audience.
As of now, no feedback has been received from Sela regarding the proposed changes for an American venue. Hearn noted that he had not heard from the Saudi organizers for several days. The lack of communication adds to the growing doubt surrounding the November date. With Fury openly questioning the fight’s viability and both sides entrenched in their positions over money and location, the path forward remains unclear. Fans and industry observers are left waiting to see if a compromise can be reached or if the bout will fall through entirely.
The potential cancellation would mark a significant loss for boxing fans who have awaited this matchup for years. Both fighters have become crossover stars with substantial followings beyond traditional boxing circles. The dispute highlights the increasing complexity of modern sports promotions, where global broadcasting rights, tax considerations, and corporate interests often outweigh athlete preferences. Until a resolution is found, the future of one of the biggest fights in British boxing history hangs in the balance.
Fury has indicated he is prepared to move on and fight someone else if Joshua does not commit. He challenged Dana White to join his side if he truly wanted to make the fight happen. This ultimatum adds pressure on all parties involved. With time running out before November, the window for negotiation is closing. The coming days will likely reveal whether the financial and logistical hurdles can be overcome or if the dream of a Fury-Joshua showdown will remain just that—a dream.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Joshua fight doesn't look like it will happen - Fury
