Fury Claims Joshua Fight Is on the Brink of Collapse

Tyson Fury has raised fresh uncertainty over his planned December showdown with Anthony Joshua, claiming his fellow former champion is attempting to withdraw from the fight.

Fury made the allegation on social media after the bout was formally confirmed for December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium following months of negotiations.

Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh announced the fight on Thursday, but Fury has now suggested that Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, could derail the agreement.

In a video message, Fury accused Hearn of allowing personal interests to interfere with the proposed heavyweight clash and questioned whether Joshua was still committed.

Fury also suggested that he would look elsewhere for an opponent if Joshua pulls out, saying he could find other fighters willing to step into the ring.

Sky Sports contacted Matchroom Sport, Hearn’s promotional company, for a response to Fury’s claims, but no immediate comment was provided.

The proposed contest has been one of boxing’s most anticipated heavyweight matchups, bringing together two British former world champions whose rivalry has lasted for several years.

Joshua’s most recent outing came in July against Kristian Prenga, where he was dropped twice during the opening round before recovering to stop his opponent in the second.

Fury, meanwhile, returned to competitive boxing in April after spending about a year away from the sport following his second defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.

The former WBC heavyweight champion defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov on points at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, marking his return after a lengthy absence.

Fury then faced Mariusz Wach in a non-televised bout in Thailand in July, eventually stopping the Polish heavyweight after seven rounds.

With the December 11 date already announced, attention will now turn to whether Fury and Joshua remain on course for the long-awaited meeting.

Any change involving either fighter could force another delay to a bout that has repeatedly been discussed but never previously reached the ring.