Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still at odds over potential fight

Tyson Fury says he has signed a deal to face Anthony Joshua, but the all-British heavyweight matchup remains in limbo after Joshua refused to commit ringside at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fury beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April and immediately called out Joshua, leaning over the ropes and beckoning him into the ring. Joshua stayed in his seat. According to the BBC, Fury later told reporters backstage that Joshua "didn't want the smoke" and questioned whether the fight would ever materialise after a decade of false starts.

Joshua cited a December car crash that killed two close friends as part of his reasoning for caution. "I was in a serious incident maybe four months ago," he said, per the BBC report. The outlet noted that Joshua has fought only once in the past 18 months, stopping Jake Paul, while Fury worked 12 rounds against Makhmudov in what amounted to a tune-up.

What happens if Fury-Joshua falls through again

Fury insists he has a three-fight agreement but wants only Joshua. "If it isn't AJ next, I'm not interested in boxing again," he said. "It's either him or I'm gone." The BBC notes that Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh spoke as if the announcement was imminent, and Netflix briefly posted about an autumn UK date before promoter Frank Warren walked it back.

Some observers believe Joshua should take an interim bout to regain rhythm after his long layoff. Fury dismissed that logic, saying any opponent can land a knockout punch. Both men are past their prime, but the BBC observes that the fascination refuses to fade and few credible heavyweight alternatives exist in Britain.

Croke Park in Dublin has been floated as a possible venue for an autumn 2026 date, with the stadium holding more than 80,000. Fury's comeback aired on Netflix, tying the sport to a platform with 325 million subscribers worldwide, and viewing numbers are expected soon.

Source: bbc.com