Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has publicly criticized fellow British fighter Anthony Joshua over ongoing delays to their much-anticipated bout, leveling personal insults and questioning Joshua’s willingness to face him in the ring. Fury’s comments came amid renewed tensions surrounding the proposed fight, which has yet to be finalized.

Fury, based in the Isle of Man for tax purposes, highlighted a 2020 speech Joshua made at a Black Lives Matter rally, where Joshua urged supporters to boycott white-owned businesses in favor of investing in black-owned enterprises. Sharing a video of the speech on social media, Fury derided Joshua’s patriotism and residency, calling him a “total bully” and noting that Joshua currently resides in Dubai.

In addition to the personal attacks, Fury accused Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, of attempting to avoid the fight to prevent humiliation. Fury claimed that regardless of any handicaps, Joshua would not agree to fight him because he fears being “annihilated.” He referenced Joshua’s victory over Daniel Dubois in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium but framed it as an example of Joshua’s “bullying” tactics rather than genuine superiority.

Responding to reports that Fury is reluctant to fight in England, Fury dismissed the notion, questioning why he would refuse such a venue and asserting his readiness to compete even in Joshua’s hometown of Watford. Fury vowed to “batter” Joshua “in your own front garden,” emphasizing that there would be no way for Joshua to avoid the bout.

Fury’s statements underscored the growing frustration over the fight’s delays, as both fighters remain key figures in the heavyweight division and fans eagerly await a definitive matchup. Joshua, meanwhile, has not publicly responded to Fury’s latest remarks. The timing and location of any agreement to fight between the two champions remain uncertain.