With a fight still not confirmed, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have instead both took to social media to quarrel rather than exchange punches in the ring. Speculation intensified last week that a formal announcement would arrive at the conclusion of Canelo Alvarez’ stoppage victory over Billy Joe Saunders, but the fight appears to still be in the negotiation stages.
Both fighters have signed agreements committing to a two-fight series and it appears that Saudi Arabia is the front runner to hold the first contest. Despite many items already in place, the fight is still not finalised and Frank Warren, the U.K. promoter of Fury, has spoken on the issue.
“You can only sign a contract when all the parties agree on it,” Warren told Seconds Out. “And we’ve got a contract at the moment that all the parties don’t agree on. We’ve got a contract at the moment that Tyson Fury will not sign.
“One of the things in that contract that will enable us to get over the hump is the guarantees. If the guarantees are there, then it’s not a problem. That’s where it is. I’m not going down the road of where the fight’s going to take place, who those negotiations are with because it’s all moot at the moment.”
Joshua, on his Twitter account, aimed the following at Fury: “Spartan. I’m tired. My fans are tired. Your fans are tired. We’re all tired of the talk. Less talk. More action!"
Fury would respond by labelling his heavyweight rival a “big dosser,” as work behind the scenes continues to secure the biggest fight that can be made in boxing at this moment.