Tyson Fury has warned that his highly anticipated showdown with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua could be at risk after the champion’s camp reportedly demanded a larger purse. The two fighters have been negotiating a November clash, with New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden being floated as a possible venue, but Fury’s recent video message suggested that financial disagreements might derail the event.
In the clip, Fury explained that the deal may fall apart because Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is pushing for additional cash from their Saudi backer, Turki Al‑Alshikh. Fury accused the Joshua team of repeatedly cashing in on lucrative deals – from boxing and darts to snooker – and then having the "audacity" to ask for even more money from the same source. He concluded his remarks with a scathing remark, telling the opponents to "keep on running, you cowards." According to Sky Sports, Joshua has already signed a contract for the fight, and Matchroom Boxing continues to work toward a formal announcement.
However, the promoter’s latest statements have introduced uncertainty. Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the original agreement stipulated the bout would take place in the United Kingdom, a point that has become a focal issue in the ongoing talks.
Matchroom Boxing chief executive Frank Smith told Sky Sports that the current week is "critical" for finalising the terms, but he remained hopeful. Smith said that while a UK venue would be disappointing for some fans, the priority is simply to see the fight happen, wherever it may be.
He noted that Madison Square Garden remains a strong candidate, especially given interest from the Ring Magazine and the Saudi delegation, but emphasized that the negotiations are still very much in progress. Smith outlined a realistic timeline, indicating that a November date is still feasible, but that the next seven to ten days are crucial. He explained that both fighters need to secure a training camp with enough time – ideally eight to ten weeks – to prepare without the distraction of promotional duties. "We need to get the fighters into camp soon so they can have a focused preparation period," he said.
The background to this saga dates back to 2021, when Fury and Joshua initially attempted to lock in a fight. Those talks collapsed after a U.S. court ordered Fury to fulfill his contractual obligation to face Deontay Wilder in a third bout, effectively putting the Joshua showdown on hold. Since then, the two heavyweights have been circling each other, with fans eagerly awaiting a definitive matchup.
Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, expressed growing unease about the lack of progress. In an interview with Sky Sports, Brown admitted that there is "a bit of doubt in everyone’s mind" and that the delay is concerning.
He said, "If you had asked me a week ago, I would have said no, but now it’s a little bit worrying that things haven’t moved forward. We need to get this fight on." The financial aspect of the negotiation appears to be the sticking point. Joshua’s camp, backed by the wealth of Saudi billionaire Al‑Alshikh, has reportedly already benefited from a series of high‑profile deals across multiple sports.
Fury’s camp argues that the additional ask is excessive, especially given the existing commitments. This tension reflects a broader trend in modern boxing, where mega‑events are increasingly tied to large corporate sponsors and state-backed investors, often leading to complex revenue‑sharing arrangements. If the fight does end up in New York, it would mark a significant shift from the original plan to host the bout on British soil, a move that could affect ticket pricing, broadcast rights, and the overall atmosphere. Madison Square Garden carries a storied legacy in boxing history, and a Fury‑Joshua clash there would likely attract a global audience, potentially boosting pay‑per‑view numbers and sponsorship deals.
However, relocating the fight could also alienate a segment of the UK fan base, who have been promised a home‑grown showdown. Both camps are under pressure to deliver a decision quickly. The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with Fury having defended his titles against various challengers, while Joshua is seeking to re‑establish himself after a series of setbacks.
A successful negotiation would not only settle the lingering rivalry but also provide a marquee event that could reshape the heavyweight landscape for the coming year. In summary, the proposed November bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua hangs in the balance as financial negotiations intensify. While both sides remain publicly optimistic, the next week will be decisive in determining whether the fight will proceed as planned, shift to a new venue, or be postponed indefinitely. Fans worldwide are watching closely, hoping that the two British giants will finally meet in the ring and deliver the showdown that has been teased for years.