Tyson Fury has warned that his highly anticipated showdown with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua could be in serious jeopardy after Joshua’s camp reportedly asked for a larger purse. The two fighters have been quietly negotiating a November clash, with the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York often mentioned as the preferred venue. However, Fury posted a short video on social media suggesting that the deal might fall apart because Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is pushing for more money from their Saudi backer, Turki Al‑Alshikh.
In the clip, Fury said, "Quick update for you. 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 the team want more money." He went on to criticize the request, accusing Hearn and Joshua of repeatedly cashing in on previous deals – from boxing to darts and snooker – and then having the "audacity" to demand yet another increase from Al‑Alshikh, who has already contributed heavily to their recent earnings. The dispute has added another layer of complexity to an already tangled negotiation process.
Sky Sports reports that Joshua has already signed a contract outlining the basic terms of the bout, but the exact location and financial details remain fluid. Matchroom Boxing’s chief executive, Frank Smith, told the network that the current week is "critical" for finalising the agreement, though he remained hopeful that a resolution could be reached. Smith explained that the original contract stipulated the fight would take place in the United Kingdom, a point that has become a sticking issue now that New York’s Madison Square Garden is being floated as a possible alternative. "It would be disappointing if it isn’t in the UK," Smith said, "but if moving the fight means we actually get to see it happen, everyone wants that outcome." He added that the promoters are still reviewing the terms, including the potential involvement of the Ring Magazine and a delegation from Saudi Arabia, which could influence the final decision on venue and purse.
Both camps appear to be racing against the calendar. November is still on the table, but Smith warned that the next seven to ten days are crucial.
"We need to get the fighters into camp soon so they can enjoy an eight‑to‑ten‑week training period free from promotional obligations," he said. This timeline is essential for both fighters to prepare properly and for the fight to be marketed effectively. The background to this standoff goes back several years. In 2021, Fury and Joshua were unable to agree on financial terms, and the proposed fight collapsed after a U.S.
judge ordered Fury to fulfill his contractual obligation to face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy bout. That legal battle delayed any further negotiations between Fury and Joshua, leaving fans waiting for a resolution. Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, expressed his own concerns about the delay.
"Everyone’s got a bit of doubt in their mind," Brown told Sky Sports. He admitted that just a week ago he would have been confident the fight was moving forward, but recent developments have made him uneasy. "It’s a little concerning that things haven’t progressed as quickly as we’d hoped.
We need to get this fight on the calendar," he added. The financial dynamics of modern heavyweight boxing are complex. Both fighters have become global brands, attracting sponsorships that extend beyond the ring. Joshua’s partnership with Al‑Alshikh’s Saudi Sports Investments has already funded multiple high‑profile events, and Fury’s own deals with broadcasters and betting companies have generated substantial revenue.
The request for additional money may reflect the rising cost of staging a mega‑event at a venue like Madison Square Garden, which entails higher venue fees, travel expenses, and logistical considerations compared to a UK arena. Nevertheless, Fury’s public criticism of the money request has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some argue that both fighters deserve a substantial payday given their drawing power, while others side with Fury’s view that the existing agreements should be honoured without further inflation. The tension highlights a broader issue in boxing: the balance between promoter ambitions, fighter earnings, and the expectations of broadcasters and sponsors.
If the fight does proceed, it promises to be one of the biggest events in heavyweight history. Fury, known for his charismatic personality and unorthodox style, would face Joshua’s disciplined, technically sound approach. The clash of styles, combined with the narrative of two British champions vying for global supremacy, would likely attract a massive worldwide audience and generate significant pay‑per‑view revenue. In the meantime, both camps are expected to continue private talks while the public watches closely.
The next week will be decisive: either a revised agreement will be reached, securing the fight’s location and purse, or the negotiations could stall, potentially pushing the bout to a later date or even causing it to be cancelled altogether. Fans remain hopeful that the two titans will find common ground, as the sport eagerly awaits what could become a defining moment for heavyweight boxing in the coming decade.