LONDON — Tyson Fury has cast doubt on his long‑anticipated all‑British clash with Anthony Joshua, claiming negotiations have collapsed and branding his rival a “coward.” Instead, the “Gypsy King” has challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a third fight later this year.
💬 Fury’s Outburst
In a fiery social media post, Fury accused Joshua of backing out:
“AJ has st his pants again, yet again. After 11 years he has finally st his pants yet again.”
Fury insisted he is now looking for a new opponent, calling on Usyk to “run it back” in November.
⚡ Joshua Negotiations Collapse
Talks between Fury and Joshua had centered on a mega‑money bout financed by Sela, the Saudi state‑owned promotional company.
- Venue debate: Madison Square Garden was favored by promoters for its global reach on Netflix.
- Joshua’s camp: Preferred Wembley Stadium to keep the fight in Britain.
- Financial sticking point: Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said the deal hinged on Joshua’s net purse.
🥊 Usyk Trilogy on the Horizon?
Fury has already lost twice to Usyk on points in 2024, but remains eager for redemption.
“Oleksandr, you got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Let’s do it again. The ball is now in your court.”
If agreed, the fight would mark their third meeting, with Usyk holding the psychological edge after back‑to‑back victories.
📊 The Bigger Picture
- Fury vs Joshua: Once billed as the biggest fight in British boxing history, now in jeopardy.
- Usyk option: Offers Fury a chance to reclaim pride and potentially set up a legacy‑defining trilogy.
- Promotional stakes: Sela’s involvement signals Saudi Arabia’s continued push into global boxing, with Netflix streaming rights adding commercial weight.
🔮 Looking Ahead
Whether Fury vs Joshua is truly off remains to be seen, but Fury’s impatience has shifted the spotlight to Usyk. Fans now await Usyk’s response, which could determine whether November delivers another blockbuster showdown.
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