British boxing promoter, Frank Warren, has revealed that Anthony Joshua is yet to sign the contract for his proposed heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury.
Fury has already signed his agreement for the long-awaited all-British clash, according to Warren, with the fight reportedly being targeted for November.
New York City has emerged as the leading destination, although Joshua’s camp reportedly prefers Wembley Stadium. Madison Square Garden is said to be the preferred venue of Turki Alalshikh and Saudi-backed promotional company Sela.
Warren, however, insists the venue is not an issue for Fury, saying the former heavyweight champion has agreed to fight wherever the bout is staged.
“The latest is Joshua’s not signed yet,” Warren said.
He explained that the delay is largely due to differences between the various contracts involved in staging the fight.
“Tyson’s signed. Tyson’s done. He don’t care when the fight takes place. [If] they want it in New York, they want it in Barbados, they want it on the Isle of Wight, he’s signed. He’s done.”
According to Warren, Fury agreed to the fight in January when the bout was initially scheduled for September. The date was later pushed back following Joshua’s December car crash, which claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
The fight was subsequently moved to November after both heavyweights returned to action.
Warren said conflicting venue details in the different agreements have also contributed to the delay.
“One contract says one venue, the other contract says another venue, and the TV contract says another venue. I don’t do the contracts,” he said.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has previously indicated that negotiations remain dependent on reaching an agreement over Joshua’s net purse.
Fury frustrated by delay
Fury has grown increasingly frustrated with the delay and has again accused Joshua of avoiding the fight.
In an Instagram video on Wednesday, Fury demanded that Joshua finalise the agreement, claiming he has accepted every proposed location without imposing conditions.
“Joshua, where are you? Still no deal done. It’s getting quite tiring,” Fury said.
The former champion also called Joshua a “coward” and accused him of not genuinely wanting the fight.
“We’re both 37, 38 years old — let’s fight. It’s a boxing match,” Fury added.
Warren reiterated that Fury has completed his side of the agreement and that they are now waiting for Joshua.
“It is signed by Tyson. Tyson is signed up for the fight and agreed for the fight,” Warren told Sky Sports.
“He’s signed for it. 100%. We’re just waiting for AJ. I can’t speak for him, he’s with Matchroom.”
The proposed bout would bring together two of Britain’s biggest heavyweight stars as both fighters enter the latter stages of their careers.
