CARDIFF: The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been thrown into uncertainty just days after organisers confirmed the December 11 fight.
Fury has accused Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn of trying to withdraw from the bout.
The former heavyweight champion branded Joshua a “yellow-bellied coward” and urged his British rival to proceed with the fight.
However, there has been no official confirmation that the bout has been cancelled.
Dispute Over Dana White’s Involvement
Reports suggest a disagreement over UFC president Dana White’s involvement could be behind the uncertainty.
When the fight was announced, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh said he and White would work together to promote the event.
That arrangement reportedly created an issue for Hearn.
Joshua’s long-time promoter has said his contract prevents White and TKO Group Holdings from having a promotional role in the fight.
Hearn has insisted that the contractual terms must be respected.
Fury, however, believes the dispute could put the highly anticipated fight at risk.
“AJ, pull your finger out,” Fury said before calling Joshua a “white-flagged, yellow-bellied coward.”
Fight Was Finally Confirmed
The controversy comes only days after Fury and Joshua finally received an official date and venue following years of failed negotiations.
The fight is scheduled for December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Netflix is set to stream the bout globally.
With uncertainty surrounding the event, reports suggest organisers have already considered possible alternatives if the fight falls through.
A potential replacement involving Terence Crawford and Ryan Garcia has reportedly been discussed.
Fury has also shared a mock poster featuring a possible fight between himself and David Benavidez.
For now, the Fury-Joshua fight remains officially scheduled and has not been cancelled.
