By Balikis Ajoyo
Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has claimed that Anthony Joshua is backing out of their highly anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown, prompting the “Gypsy King” to call for a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury and Joshua have been involved in prolonged negotiations over a potential blockbuster bout, which is reportedly expected to take place in November.
However, the venue has yet to be officially confirmed, with Madison Square Garden in New York widely tipped to host the fight, while Joshua’s camp reportedly prefers Wembley Stadium.
Fury, who has repeatedly expressed frustration over the lack of confirmation, previously branded Joshua a “coward” over the stalled negotiations.
In an expletive-laden video posted on Instagram, the 38-year-old claimed Joshua was pulling out of the proposed fight.
Fury then turned his attention to Usyk, challenging the Ukrainian to a third meeting.
He said he was now considering Usyk as his next opponent and asked whether the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion was ready to face him again in November.
Fury has twice lost to Usyk, with the Ukrainian securing victories in both of their previous encounters.
Usyk has also been involved in Joshua’s preparations, with Joshua currently working with members of the Ukrainian’s training team.
Fury’s latest comments have therefore cast fresh uncertainty over the proposed Fury-Joshua showdown, while reigniting speculation about a potential third fight between Fury and Usyk.
The proposed Fury-Joshua bout remains one of the most anticipated all-British heavyweight clashes, but uncertainty over the negotiations and venue continues to dominate the build-up.