The scheduled heavyweight match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been scrapped, according to Fury, after a deadline given by his team expired on Monday without a resolution.
On Friday night, Fury gave Joshua a deadline, announcing that if the agreement could not be reached in time, he would withdraw from the highly anticipated all-British fight.
The WBC champion announced Monday night on Instagram: “Well folks, it’s official. D-day has already passed. Monday evening is passed five o’clock. There isn’t a contract in place.
“Joshua’s journey is finally done. He is now outside among the wolfpack.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, had said that there was “no possibility” that contracts would be completed before Monday.
Joshua said: “It ain’t in my hands – it’s with a legal team,” during an Instagram Live. That is why you employ attorneys.
“You are familiar with boxing’s history; double-check your legal terminology.” That’s why you get competent management and competent attorneys.
“I’m going to sign the deal, of course. Right now, it’s only with a few lawyers.
Joshua’s management has already accepted Fury’s proposal for a 60-40 prize money split verbally.
Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk twice in a row in Saudi Arabia last month, and Fury’s dreams of a championship unification fight were crushed when the Ukrainian said he wouldn’t fight again until 2023.