Tyson Fury said the fight with Anthony Joshua "doesn't look like it's going to happen" because of disagreements involving money demands and venue location as of August 21, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Fury publicly expressed his doubts on Instagram, blaming promoter Eddie Hearn and Joshua for seeking more money and jeopardizing the bout [1]. "Doesn’t look like they’re going to sign the fight and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen all because Eddie Hearn and that want more money," Fury said [1]. Fury also accused Joshua and Hearn of being "money-thirsty," noting they have already received large sums from Saudi backer Turki Alalshikh over the years across multiple sports deals [2].
The fight was expected to take place in November 2026, possibly on November 20, but has yet to be finalized with any official contracts or venue agreements [2, 3, 5]. Saudi Arabian organizers favor holding the bout at Madison Square Garden in New York, but Joshua and Hearn have a contract stipulating it must be staged in the United Kingdom [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Hearn explained that hosting the fight in the U.S. would reduce Joshua's earnings compared to the UK due to tax and logistical issues, thus requiring additional compensation [1, 5]. He said, "In layman's terms, by staging the fight in America, Anthony Joshua receives less money than he would do if the fight was in the UK where he was contractually agreed" [1]. Hearn also remarked on the absence of a venue deal, stating bluntly, "You didn't do the venue deal because there's no agreement on the venue, mate" [5].
Wembley Stadium in the UK, with a 90,000 capacity, has been discussed but an 11 p.m. curfew complicates hosting a late night fight [5]. Fury has a professional record of 36 wins and 2 losses, both to Oleksandr Usyk, and returned from retirement in January 2026 [4]. He threatened to move on to fight other opponents if agreement with Joshua is not reached. "I'll move on and fight somebody else but just know you never had the guts to fight Tyson Fury, ever, you little coward," Fury said [1].
The situation remains unresolved as November approaches, with no confirmed venue or finalized terms for the fight. Promoters and fighters continue negotiations amid public statements revealing sharp disagreements over money and location [1, 2, 3, 5]. The scheduled date, possibly November 20, 2026, will likely come and go without a contract unless breakthroughs occur soon.
