Tyson Fury has put some much needed urgency on his potential fight with Anthony Joshua, telling the challenger that he has until Monday to sign the most talked about contract in the sport.
Expectations have dipped and risen over the last two weeks for an all-British heavyweight title fight. Throughout the negotiations, all parties have been keen to make it known that they want it to happen, however with a December 3 date in mind, the longer it takes the less likely it looks.
Speaking ahead of the Joe Joyce – Joseph Parker clash, Tyson Fury has issued an ultimatum to ‘AJ’. Although it’s not the first one he’s set, given the amount of time remaining it does seem to be more conclusive this time.
“I was optimistic about three weeks ago, but it shouldn’t be taking this long to sign a contract. We’ll know by Monday anyway because if it’s not done by Monday I’m moving on.”
“I’m not waiting around for some guy who’s lost three of his last five fights. He’s lucky that I’m giving him a world title shot, but I don’t mind chucking him a bone you know – but I don’t want them to start dictating sh*t to me. He is an invited guest at my party. My rules. So, if you wanna play the game, come to the banquet and take your seat.”
"If it’s not done by Monday, I’m moving on!"
"He is an invited guest at my party. My rules. So you want to play the game. Come to the banquet and take your seat!"@Tyson_Fury's message to Anthony Joshua 👀 pic.twitter.com/vmZ3wjHbAf
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) September 24, 2022
The latest news from Joshua’s camp – delivered by his promoter, Eddie Hearn – was that they were in receipt of the contract and working through certain issues. It seems that ‘The Gypsy King’ doesn’t have time for further tweaks.
By moving on, many in the sport think that he means a fight with Mahmoud Charr. This week, his brother Shane came out in defence of a fight of that standard for Fury. Whilst his points were fair, they won’t do much to appease fans who has the Joshua clash dangled in front of them only to be taken away.
Whatever happens, it sounds like we’ll know on Monday just what we’ll be tuning in for come December.