The deadline has passed, but all is not lost yet?
British WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) unexpectedly (?) announced the continuation of the negotiation process for a fight with compatriot and ex-champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs), despite the fact that the deadline for signing contracts expired on Monday, after which Fury said that Joshua missed his chance.
Today Tyson went on the air and admitted that he surrendered under the persuasion of his promoter Frank Warren and allowed the parties to continue negotiations on the fight on December 3 in Cardiff (Wales).
Here’s what Fury had to say:
“This message is for Anthony Joshua.
My promoter Frank Warren convinced me to let Queensberry continue negotiations with your team this week, even though I knew you would never be in that fight.
I was just told that all broadcasters – BT, Dazn, ESPN – are happy with the conditions and are ready to support this fight. Your side has been given a contract that allows you to see every trade to make deals with any partners at this event. We agreed to do this as a joint promotion – everything is in order, clean, honest and transparent.
I fought with Frank that it doesn’t matter what we offer you, because you still won’t take this fight. So, it’s up to you, either I win the bet and you show the public what a coward you are, or today your lawyers and your team will call my side, which was and remains available, and we will still get a signed contract.
You have this contract in your hands for 2 weeks already, my team has done all the work with broadcasters, tickets, venue – everything is ready.
Someone sent me a video of your man, Eddie (Hearn), talking to you sometime in the past about the Wilder fight. And he says there that if you want the fight to happen, you, your team and your lawyers must act quickly to make it happen.
You’ve had 14 days, get your finger out and make this fight happen for the British boxing public.
Don’t be a coward, get your team to make this deal.”
Previously, Fury named the second strongest heavyweight at the moment, and also answered the challenge of Joyce.