Tyson Fury has accused Anthony Joshua of shirking their highly anticipated British heavyweight clash, simultaneously issuing a direct challenge to Oleksandr Usyk for a trilogy bout. The developments cast significant uncertainty over the planned November event at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In an explicit video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the 38-year-old Fury asserted that Joshua is retreating from the agreement. The “Gypsy King” had previously expressed frustration with the delays, labeling his rival a coward amidst stalled negotiations.
Although Madison Square Garden was the expected location, the choice faced criticism from boxing fans in the UK. Joshua’s camp has reportedly favored holding the contest at Wembley Stadium instead. Over the past week, Fury highlighted Joshua’s indecision and silence regarding the venue as evidence that the fight may not proceed.
With the Joshua matchup appearing to falter, Fury turned his attention back to Usyk, whom he defeated in their previous encounters before losses in their last two meetings. Noting that Joshua now trains with the Ukrainian’s team, Fury questioned Joshua’s mental fortitude compared to Usyk’s willingness to face him.
“This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk,” Fury stated. “Oleksandr, you’re his trainer and his sensei, and you know he is weak-minded… You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you; let’s do it again. Let’s run it back in November.”
Fury concluded by placing the decision in Usyk’s hands, asking the two-time undisputed champion if he wishes to fight in 2026 or step away, declaring that he is now seeking a new opponent.
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