Tyson Fury has once again taken aim at fellow British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, labeling the two‑time world title holder a "coward" and accusing him of "conning everybody" as the two camps continue to haggle over the long‑awaited all‑British clash. The friction between the fighters has intensified after recent talks seemed to be on the brink of a breakthrough, only to be derailed by a disagreement over the venue. Saudi‑backed promoters, led by Sela, have been pushing for the bout to be staged in the United States, a proposal that Joshua’s representatives have firmly resisted, insisting the fight should be held on home soil in the United Kingdom. Fury aired his frustrations on Instagram on Wednesday, questioning why a deal had not yet been sealed.
"Joshua, where are you? Still no deal done. It's getting quite tiring," he wrote.
He went on to list the numerous locations he had been willing to travel to – England, Ireland, Las Vegas, New York, and then back again – each time replying with an enthusiastic "yes" and no added conditions. "The facts are that I feel like you're being a coward.
I feel like you don't want the fight and you're just conning everybody. I feel like you've been doing that for years," Fury added, suggesting that Joshua had been avoiding the showdown for an extended period. The backdrop to this verbal sparring is Joshua’s recent performance in the ring. In July he secured a second‑round knockout of Kristian Prenga, a fight in which he was surprisingly knocked down twice in the opening round before rallying to stop his opponent.
That victory, while impressive, also highlighted some lingering vulnerabilities that Fury seems eager to exploit in his public tirade. Fury himself fought last month, taking on Mariusz Wach in a bout that ended with the 46‑year‑old opponent retiring in the seventh round. The win added to Fury’s momentum and gave him further leverage in the negotiation narrative.
He used the platform to challenge Joshua directly: "You've had many opportunities to fight me, but deep down you've never really wanted it, so let's see if you're going to man up for a final time," he wrote. "We're both f***ing 37, 38 years old – let's f***ing fight. It's a boxing match and you've been banned before plenty of times.
You've been knocked out a few times. So what, what's the worst that can happen?
I'm going to f***ing chin you, 100 per cent, but it's nothing that hasn't been done before!" The exchange escalated when Fury posted another Instagram video, this time joined by former heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, who mimicked his iconic line "Sign the contract, big boy." The post was a clear call to action, urging Joshua to finalize the agreement and step into the ring. Fury’s use of social media has become a strategic tool, allowing him to apply public pressure while simultaneously entertaining fans with theatrical flair. Promoter Frank Warren entered the fray on Wednesday, declaring that the ball was "100 per cent" in Joshua’s court. "Tyson has signed up for the fight and agreed to the fight," Warren said.
"He's all good to go, just waiting for AJ. I can't speak for him, because he's with Matchroom.
He [Fury] has signed." Warren’s comments underscored that Fury’s side had already committed, shifting the onus onto Joshua’s camp to respond. When asked about the fight’s location, Warren admitted uncertainty.
He noted that Fury had hinted at Madison Square Garden on social media, but the final decision would rest with the financiers, promoters, and broadcasters who are funding the event. "Tyson just wants to get on.
He said 'I don't care where I'll fight, whether it's Wembley, New York, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man – I'll fight him anywhere'. He doesn't care," Warren added, emphasizing Fury’s willingness to travel wherever the money and logistics dictate.
The venue dispute is more than a logistical quibble; it reflects broader strategic interests. Hosting the fight in the UK would give Joshua a home‑field advantage, potentially boosting ticket sales and local television revenue.
Conversely, a U.S. venue, especially a high‑profile arena like Madison Square Garden, could attract a larger global audience and higher pay‑per‑view numbers, aligning with the Saudi promoters’ desire for a marquee international spectacle. Both fighters are now in their late thirties, an age where many boxers consider retirement.
Yet the allure of a historic British heavyweight showdown remains strong, promising significant financial rewards and a lasting legacy. If the bout materializes, it would be billed as a clash of the titans, pitting Fury’s unorthodox, size‑based style against Joshua’s disciplined, technical approach. Analysts predict a tactical battle, with Fury likely to use his reach and movement to frustrate Joshua’s straight‑ahead pressure, while Joshua would aim to cut off the ring and land power shots to the body and head.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the fight carries symbolic weight. It would be the first major heavyweight showdown between two British fighters in over a decade, reviving the nation’s rich boxing heritage and offering fans a narrative of rivalry, redemption, and national pride.
The outcome could also influence future matchmaking decisions for both athletes, potentially opening doors to other high‑profile bouts or prompting a shift toward retirement. As negotiations continue, the boxing world watches closely.
Social media exchanges, promoter statements, and venue speculation have kept the conversation alive, ensuring that when the contract is finally signed, the anticipation will be at an all‑time high. Whether the fight lands in London’s Wembley Stadium, New York’s Madison Square Garden, or another iconic arena, the clash promises to be a defining moment for both fighters and a spectacular event for the sport as a whole.