Tyson Fury calls out Anthony Joshua but contract remains unsigned

Tyson Fury stopped Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and immediately called for Anthony Joshua to finalise their long-delayed fight, but Joshua left the venue without committing to terms. The BBC reports that Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh had spoken as if an announcement was imminent, and Netflix briefly posted about an autumn UK date before Fury's promoter Frank Warren denied any deal was done.

Fury told reporters backstage that Joshua "didn't want the smoke" and questioned why his rival refused to climb through the ropes for a face-off. "Ten years in the making and still there's uncertainty if it's going to happen next," Fury said, per the BBC. Team Fury claims contracts have been signed on their end, while Joshua's camp has stayed silent on a timeline.

Joshua's recent struggles and the case for an interim bout

Joshua has not faced elite-level opposition since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2023, apart from his exhibition win over Jake Paul. The BBC notes Joshua was involved in a December car crash that killed two close friends, which Joshua referenced when asked about the Fury fight pressure. Some observers believe a tune-up would allow Joshua to rebuild rhythm without the suffocating scrutiny of a Fury build-up, though Fury warned that "taking interim fights, you can get chinned by anyone."

Fury insisted he has a three-fight deal for 2026 but wants only Joshua next. "If it isn't AJ next, I'm not interested in boxing again," he said. Croke Park in Dublin has emerged as a possible venue for the all-British heavyweight clash, which would likely draw more than 80,000 fans. Netflix's global reach could make the bout one of the most-watched boxing events in years if both men finally agree. The rematch of season two of At Home with the Furys dropped hours after the Makhmudov win, keeping Fury in the spotlight while Joshua weighs his options.

Source: bbc.com