The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua superfight is in big trouble just hours after it was officially announced, and a replacement has already been named.
Tyson Fury has just shared some big news, saying that his highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua might already be in trouble—and a new opponent could be stepping in instead. Just hours after the fight was officially announced, reports are saying it could fall apart, all because of UFC boss Dana White.
During the talks for the fight, White said he was very involved with promoting it. Since the announcement, Fury claims this has caused Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn to want to back out of the match.
There were reports that White wanted the fight, which is set to be the biggest in British boxing history, to happen in the U.S., but Hearn worked hard to get Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as the venue.
White’s role—or lack of it—has been a big source of tension for Hearn and Joshua, and it seems to have pushed Fury to call them out on social media for supposedly trying to pull out of the fight.
On Instagram, Fury said, “Breaking news: Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are trying to back out. They’re saying they won’t fight now. They’re acting like little cowards. It’s mainly because of Eddie Hearn’s ego. They’re making up excuses and threatening not to fight. AJ, pull yourself together!
“I’m coming back to the UK—the Gypsy King will fight you in front of all my fans in Wales. You’re making all these excuses now, but I’ve got real fighters ready to step in. I hope you’re happy, cowards. This is all about Hearn’s big ego. We’re about to lose the biggest fight in boxing history. What a joke.”
It’s not clear if White’s involvement is behind Fury’s comments, but contracts reportedly say the fight must happen in the UK and that White can’t be involved. White even posted a photo on social media showing him on a video call with Turki Al-Sheikh, fueling rumors about his role.
In another video, Fury added, “Eddie Hearn’s ego might cost all the boxing fans the fight we’ve all been waiting for over ten years. And it’s just because Eddie doesn’t want someone in the building. That’s pretty childish.
“You’re acting like a kid who doesn’t like someone sweet. Joshua, you should be ashamed if you’re backing this.”
Usually, Fury’s social media rants are part of his style and not always serious. But shortly after he posted this, Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger said that talks are already happening for backup fights in case Fury v Joshua falls apart because of the issues with White.
He mentioned that undefeated cruiserweight David Benavidez might replace Joshua to fight Fury. If the fight completely falls through, there could even be a match between Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford, who retired last year.
So, things are definitely heating up behind the scenes as fans wait to see if this huge fight will actually happen or if something else will take its place.