Tyson Fury has warned that his much‑anticipated showdown with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua could be in serious jeopardy after the champion’s camp reportedly asked for a larger payday. The two fighters have been quietly negotiating a November clash, with New York’s Madison Square Garden emerging as a likely venue, but Fury’s recent video message suggested the deal might unravel if Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, continues to press for additional funds.
In the short clip posted to social media, Fury explained that the negotiations appear to be stalling because of the financial demands coming from the Joshua side. He claimed that the request for a bigger purse is the primary reason the fight might not materialise, despite both camps having already signed a preliminary contract. Fury’s remarks were blunt: “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 [Joshua’s promoter] Eddie Hearn wants more money.” He went on to criticize the repeated requests for cash, pointing out that the Joshua camp has already benefited from a series of lucrative deals with Saudi billionaire Turki Al‑Alshikh over the past few years. “They have already 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,” Fury said. “And yet they have the audacity and cheek of flea‑bitten rats to ask for more money from old Turki that you have had combined over the last couple of years.” The tension surrounding the fight has been amplified by the fact that the original contract, according to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, stipulated that the bout would be staged on British soil. However, recent discussions have entertained the possibility of moving the event to Madison Square Garden, a move that would satisfy both the fighters’ desire for a global stage and the commercial interests of the promoters.
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith told Sky Sports that the week was “critical” for negotiations but remained hopeful that an agreement could be reached. “It will be disappointing for it not to be in the UK, but at the same time if it means seeing the fight, we all want to see that fight happen,” Smith said.
“Let’s see how things play out.” Smith added that the terms of the original agreement still stand, emphasizing that the fight was signed with the expectation of a UK venue. He noted that the conversation now revolves around whether MSG could become a viable alternative, especially given the involvement of the Ring Magazine and a Saudi delegation that might help fund the event. “I think November is possible. Later in November is possible, but again the next seven to ten days, a lot of progress has got to be made in order to make that happen to get the fighters into camp and give them an eight‑to‑10‑week preparation period away from promotional obligations,” he explained.
The saga is not new. Back in 2021, Fury and Joshua were unable to seal a deal, and the plans fell apart after a U.S. judge ordered Fury to fulfill his contractual obligation to face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy bout. That legal hurdle delayed any progress on a Joshua‑Fury showdown for several years, leaving fans to wonder whether the two giants of the heavyweight division would ever finally meet.
Now, with the legal issues resolved, the focus has shifted to the financial side of the equation. Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, saying that the lack of a definitive announcement is creating unease among both camps. “Everybody’s got a bit of doubt in their mind,” Brown admitted.
“If you’d asked me a week ago, I’d have said no, but now it’s a little bit concerning that things haven’t progressed down the line. We need to get this fight on.” The stakes are high for both fighters. A victory for Fury would cement his claim as the undisputed heavyweight king, while a win for Joshua would restore his standing after a series of setbacks. Moreover, the financial windfall from a blockbuster bout in a venue like MSG could be massive, potentially reshaping the earnings landscape for heavyweight boxing.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely, aware that a final decision could hinge on whether the two promoters can bridge the monetary gap. The dialogue has already featured a mixture of frustration and optimism, with Fury’s colorful language—“Keep on running you cowards”—reflecting his impatience, and Smith’s measured tone indicating a willingness to compromise. If the fight does go ahead in November, both athletes will need to enter a rigorous training camp, typically lasting eight to ten weeks, to sharpen their skills and strategise against each other’s styles.
This preparation period is crucial, as both fighters have shown a tendency to evolve between bouts, adapting to new tactics and refining their physical conditioning. In summary, the Joshua‑Fury showdown remains perched on a delicate balance of financial negotiations, venue logistics, and timing.
While the initial contract called for a UK location, the allure of a New York stage and the involvement of high‑profile backers could tip the scales. Until a definitive agreement is signed and a public announcement made, the boxing world will continue to speculate, hoping that the two heavyweight titans finally step into the ring together.