Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has branded rival Anthony Joshua a coward while the two camps endure an anxious wait to determine if their long-awaited bout will actually happen.
While the British rivals had originally targeted a November showdown, those prospects are fading as discussions regarding the host venue remain unresolved.
Joshua, a two-time unified champion, along with promoter Eddie Hearn, finalized an agreement for a UK-based bout. Conversely, event organizers have expressed a preference for staging the contest in the United States.
Hearn previously noted that holding the match outside Britain would necessitate renegotiating the existing contracts.
Speaking on Wednesday, Fury—who maintained the prospect of the mega-fight by defeating Mariusz Wach last month—admitted that the ongoing talks are growing exhausting.
The 38-year-old stated that he has agreed to every proposed venue, including locations in England, Ireland, Las Vegas, and New York, without adding any conditions.
Accusing Joshua of deception, Fury expressed his belief that his rival is avoiding the bout and misleading the public, asserting that Joshua has consistently dodged the matchup over the years.
Challenging Joshua to finally commit, Fury urged him to step up.
In a separate social media post featuring former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, Fury taunted the 36-year-old Joshua by echoing Tyson's famous catchphrase to sign the agreement.
Frank Warren, promoter for Fury under Queensbury, confirmed to Sky Sports News that his fighter is fully committed, stating that the contract has been signed by Tyson.