A potential heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has once again hit a stumbling block, despite renewed reports suggesting the fight is nearing completion.
According to reports from the BBC, Fury’s team has already signed the contract for the highly anticipated all-British clash, while Joshua is yet to put pen to paper, sparking fresh concerns about whether the bout will finally happen after years of negotiations and public exchanges.
Speculation around the fight intensified after Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Joshua, who was seated ringside during the event, did not respond when Fury climbed onto the ropes and motioned for him to enter the ring.
Speaking afterward, Fury expressed frustration over Joshua’s reaction.
“He didn’t want the smoke. He came ringside to make the fight. If it were me, I’d have jumped in the ring. Ten years in the making and there’s still doubt about whether it will happen,” Fury said.
The WBC heavyweight champion also hinted that he could consider retirement if the long-awaited clash falls through once more.
Joshua’s hesitation is believed to be connected to his limited activity in recent months and personal challenges. The former world champion has fought just once in the last 18 months, recording a sixth-round stoppage victory over Jake Paul in December.
That same month, Joshua was reportedly involved in a car accident that led to the deaths of two close friends.
A possible warm-up fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25 is viewed as a chance for Joshua to regain sharpness before stepping into a high-stakes contest with Fury.
Fury, however, dismissed the idea of tune-up fights.
“We’ve all had problems, that’s life. Taking interim fights, you can get knocked out by anyone,” he said.