Fury questions Joshua bout as purse dispute emerges
Tyson Fury has cast doubt over a planned November heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua, alleging that financial demands from his rival and promoter have stalled negotiations for a Madison Square Garden showdown.
Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has publicly questioned the viability of a scheduled fight against Anthony Joshua, claiming on social media that the bout is in serious doubt due to financial disagreements. The dispute centres on what Fury described as a request for a larger purse from Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn.
In a video posted online, Fury stated that the fight "doesn't look like it is going to happen" because Hearn and Joshua want "more money." He specifically accused the pair of seeking additional funds from Saudi businessman Turki Alalshikh, noting that they have already received significant payments for boxing, darts, and snooker deals over the last few years.
The uncertainty comes as the two fighters had been negotiating a blockbuster bout expected to take place in November at Madison Square Garden in New York. Previous reports indicated a conflict over the venue, with Joshua and Hearn having signed a contract for a UK-based fight, while Saudi-owned Sela preferred a US location to cater to American audiences.
Despite Fury’s claims that the deal is not finalised, Sky Sports reports that Anthony Joshua has already signed a contract for the fight. Matchroom Boxing, which is working towards an official announcement, has not yet responded to the specific allegations regarding the purse.
The fight is set to be broadcast on Netflix, adding to the commercial stakes of the event. Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on 25 July 2026, a bout considered a tune-up for the potential encounter with Fury.
The exact status of the contract remains ambiguous, with Fury asserting the fight is unsigned while Sky Sports indicates Joshua has committed. A resolution to the financial dispute will determine whether the November date holds or if the heavyweight rivalry is pushed further into the future.
