Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has sparked fresh uncertainty over his highly anticipated heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua, claiming the fight is in danger of falling apart just days after it was officially confirmed. The all-British clash was announced on Thursday, with the two former world champions set to meet at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11 after months of difficult negotiations.
Fury has alleged that Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, are attempting to withdraw from the contest. “Breaking news, Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are trying to pull out the fight,” Fury said. The former WBC champion accused Hearn of creating problems during negotiations and claimed the promoter’s actions could cost boxing fans one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.
Fury warned that he was ready to return to the United Kingdom and face Joshua in Wales, insisting he wanted the fight to happen. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has pushed back against Fury’s claims, insisting there is no possibility of Joshua walking away from the bout. Hearn said the fight agreement had already been signed and argued that Fury’s concerns were unnecessary.
The Fury-Joshua rivalry has lasted for several years, with repeated negotiations failing to produce a fight date. Both fighters have exchanged criticism and call-outs, but contractual issues and venue disagreements repeatedly delayed the blockbuster meeting. The December showdown is expected to attract global attention as two of Britain’s biggest heavyweight stars finally share the ring.
Joshua enters the bout after a difficult warm-up fight in July, where he was knocked down twice by Kristian Prenga before recovering to secure a second-round stoppage victory. Fury’s return has also been unconventional. After losing his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, he announced his retirement before returning to action in April with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Despite Fury’s latest warning, Hearn remains confident the fight will proceed, leaving fans waiting to see whether the long-awaited heavyweight battle will finally take place. Hearn previously stated that the contest was secure, saying the two fighters had signed contracts and that the remaining discussions were about final arrangements rather than whether the fight would happen.
The all-British bout is scheduled for Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in what is expected to be one of boxing’s biggest events. With both fighters having signed contracts, it remains to be seen whether Fury’s concerns will come to fruition or if the fight will go ahead as planned.
Key points
- Tyson Fury claims Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn are trying to pull out of their December 11 fight.
- Eddie Hearn insists the fight agreement has been signed and the bout will go ahead as planned.
- The Fury-Joshua rivalry has lasted for several years, with repeated negotiations failing to produce a fight date.
