Full Breakdown
Fury Declares Joshua Fight Uncertain, Calls Out Usyk Amid Venue Dispute
9/7/2026, 8:28:24 PM
Core Event
Tyson Fury announced that Anthony Joshua is “backing out” of their long-awaited heavyweight showdown and said he is now seeking a new opponent for a November bout.
Background & Context
Talks for a British heavyweight clash have persisted for years. The two former world champions were first linked in April 2026, but scheduling delays and contractual complexities stalled progress. A press conference is scheduled for October 23, 2024 to formalize the bout contracts, with Saudi-backed promoter Sela and financier Turki Alalshikh fronting the event.
Venue negotiations have become the primary obstacle. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn and his camp insist the contract obliges the fight to be held in the United Kingdom, specifically Wembley Stadium. Fury’s camp, meanwhile, favors a U.S. location, with Madison Square Garden repeatedly cited as the preferred venue by promoters and broadcaster Netflix.
Fury has already faced Usyk twice in 2024, losing both encounters—first by a narrow split-decision and then by a wider unanimous decision—making a third meeting a contentious proposition for the Ukrainian champion, who has not publicly responded.
Timeline
- September 1, 2026 – Eddie Hearn states that no agreement has been reached and urges a decision on the fight’s location.
- September 7, 2026 – Fury’s Instagram video accusing Joshua of backing out is published.
- November 20, 2026 – The date that has been floated publicly for the Fury-Joshua bout.
- October 23, 2024 – Press conference scheduled to sign the fight contracts.
Data & Statistics
- Fury’s record against Usyk: two losses in 2024 (split-decision and unanimous-decision).
- Usyk holds the status of a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Official Statements & Responses
- Tyson Fury (via Instagram video): alleges Joshua is avoiding the fight, labels him a “coward,” and declares he will look for a new opponent, specifically Usyk, for a November showdown.
- Sela (representative of the Saudi promotional company): declined to comment on whether negotiations have broken down.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Venue clause: Joshua’s camp claims the contract mandates a UK venue, while Fury’s side says no such clause exists, leading to a stalemate over a potential U.S. location.
- Usyk’s position: No comment has been recorded from Oleksandr Usyk regarding Fury’s challenge, leaving his willingness to a third fight unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It looks like AJ has s--- his pants yet again. After 11 years, he has finally s--- his pants again. This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk,” — Tyson Fury
What’s Next
- The scheduled October 23, 2024 press conference will determine whether the Fury-Joshua contract is finalized and which venue will be selected.
- If the venue dispute remains unresolved, Fury has indicated he may pursue a November bout with Usyk, pending the Ukrainian champion’s response.
