Even though Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury look to be farther than ever from squaring off inside the boxing ring, that hasn't stopped them from fighting in a different avenue.
Joshua and Fury appeared to be on the verge of meeting for the undisputed heavyweight championship on August 14 in Saudi Arabia after the latter declared on Sunday he was on board for the battle of the Englishmen. However, an arbitration judge declared on Monday that Fury still had to face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy affair because of a clause in their contract from their February 2020 rematch, which Fury won via seventh-round TKO. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday that he'd been assured by Fury's promoter in the United States, Bob Arum, that the case would go their way and the historic clash would be a go.
Neither Joshua or Fury had spoken about the ruling until Tuesday. The mild-mannered IBF, WBA (super) and WBO heavyweight champion took to Twtter and let Fury know that it was his fault they likely aren't meeting this summer.
Neither Joshua or Fury had spoken about the ruling until Tuesday. The mild-mannered IBF, WBA (super) and WBO heavyweight champion took to Twtter and let Fury know that it was his fault they likely aren't meeting this summer.
If you thought Fury would just let Joshua attempt to smear his name, not a chance. It took less than 15 minutes for "The Gypsy King" to fire back at Joshua and challenged him to a different type of fight.
Less than 30 minutes later, Joshua responded. He questioned why Fury signed the contract for them to fight knowing the arbitrator's ruling hadn't come down and brushed off Fury's challenge with a threat of his own.
Fury refused to acknowledge his reasoning for announcing the fight but said he'd handle Wilder first and then take care of Joshua.
The final barb for now went to Joshua, who wondered why Fury didn't jump the barrier at the Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders fight on May 8.