Tyson Fury isn’t planning to sit around waiting for Anthony Joshua if their long-awaited heavyweight showdown runs into another roadblock.
Despite both men signing contracts earlier this year and successfully coming through their respective warm-up fights, Fury vs. Joshua still hasn’t been formally announced. The latest sticking point is where the blockbuster all-British clash will actually take place.
Fury defeated Mariusz Wach in Thailand, while Joshua beat Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, seemingly clearing the final hurdles before the two former heavyweight champions could finally meet. However, negotiations over the venue have continued behind the scenes.
Joshua’s side reportedly wants the fight staged in the United Kingdom in accordance with their agreement, while Saudi-backed Sela and Netflix favor the United States in an effort to maximize the streaming audience. Fury, meanwhile, has indicated he’s willing to fight wherever the event ultimately lands.
Tyson Fury Will Fight In November With Or Without Anthony Joshua
While the expectation remains that Fury and Joshua will eventually reach an agreement, Fury’s camp already has a plan in place if negotiations collapse.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Fury’s brother Shane revealed that “The Gypsy King” intends to fight on November 20 regardless of whether Joshua is standing across the ring from him.
The fight’s the 20th of November. Time’s rolling on. It doesn’t affect us, because we’re fighting on that date anyway.
Shane explained that Fury isn’t waiting for negotiations to conclude before preparing. The former heavyweight champion is already training in the United States alongside his team, including his nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach.
If Joshua ultimately isn’t available, Fury’s camp will simply move forward with somebody else.
Tyson’s over in America now, training, as we speak. He’s got his nutritionist, his strength and conditioning [coach], his trainer. If it’s not [Joshua], Tyson will be fighting on that day.
Shane also pointed toward Fury’s drawing power as one reason they aren’t particularly concerned about finding another opponent, describing his brother as a major attraction for Netflix.
It really don’t affect us. Tyson is the cash cow to Netflix.
The comments make Fury’s position clear: November 20 is apparently locked into his calendar, even if the opponent isn’t.
