London – Tyson Fury has given Anthony Joshua until Monday to sign a contract for their highly awaited all-British contest, or he would no longer be his opponent for the world heavyweight championship.
The teams of World Boxing Council champion Fury and Joshua, a former holder of the sport’s other major heavyweight titles, have engaged in lengthy negotiations.
The arrangement, predicated on a 60-40 split in favor of Fury, was reportedly accepted by Joshua’s management only a week ago.
Veteran promoter Frank Warren stated that Joshua’s camp had been issued a contract.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, stated that minor concerns needed to be sorted prior to a bout that is scheduled to occur before the end of the year.
However, Fury now believes Joshua is attempting to back out, sparking a profanity-laced social media rant against his opponent on Friday.
Saturday, he remained strongly critical of Joshua, albeit with greater moderation.
“About three weeks ago, I was optimistic, but it shouldn’t be taking this long to sign a deal,” Fury said in a Twitter video posted by Queensberry Promotions.
“We will know by Monday regardless, because if it is not completed by Monday, I will move on.”
Monday represents the deadline.
If he does not sign the contract by Monday, [the fight] will be canceled.
Tyson Fury issues Anthony Joshua an ultimatum for Monday… pic.twitter.com/gBWS6jr17F
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 25, 2022
“I will not wait for a man who has lost three of his last five battles. He’s fortunate that I’m giving him a shot at the world crown.”
The 34-year-old continued, “He is a guest at my party, and my rules apply.” Therefore, if you wish to play the game, please come to the banquet and take a seat.”
Warren remained optimistic that the fight would go place, telling BT Sport: “There is a meeting scheduled for Monday, and I am hoping it will resolve what I feel are just a few outstanding concerns, not for us, but for them.
Let’s hope they keep their word and don’t renege on their commitment.
Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO, IBF, and WBA champion, stated that he will not fight again until early next year, prompting Fury to propose a “Battle of Britain” bout with Joshua.
Joshua, 32, suffered his second consecutive loss to the Ukrainian last month in Saudi Arabia.
Fury declared his retirement on his 34th birthday last month, following a series of U-turns on his future in the sport.
But in a social media video posted earlier this month, he challenged Joshua to a fight.
AFP