Tyson Fury could fight at MSG on November 20 even without Joshua

Tyson Fury could still fight at Madison Square Garden on November 20 even if Anthony Joshua does not agree to the latest terms for their proposed heavyweight bout. Fury, who is 38, may instead face another opponent in New York if the long-awaited all-British contest collapses.

Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, has indicated that the event will proceed at the venue with a replacement opponent if Joshua is not secured. The position means the date is not necessarily dependent on Joshua, while the two former world champions have yet to meet in the ring.

The main obstacle is understood to be the financial effect of moving the fight from Britain to the United States. Joshua has signed terms connected to a British venue, but Madison Square Garden would bring different tax and financial arrangements. Eddie Hearn wants Joshua to receive the same amount after deductions that he would have taken home from a fight in Britain.

Fury has become increasingly frustrated with the negotiations and has accused Joshua and Hearn of seeking additional money. In a video update, the former heavyweight champion argued that the pair had already earned substantial sums from their recent boxing and other sports-related agreements. His comments came as the proposed contest remained unconfirmed.

The agreement may need to be completed early next week to leave enough time to promote the event. Monday to Wednesday have been identified as the key period, although that timeframe is an assessment of the negotiations rather than an official deadline.

There is also speculation that Hearn would prefer Joshua to have another bout before facing Fury, partly because of the risks attached to the matchup. Joshua is regarded as particularly dangerous early in fights, while concerns about his ability to absorb punches could make a defeat by Fury especially damaging to his career. That explanation remains unconfirmed, but Fury’s side appears ready to preserve the New York date rather than wait indefinitely for Joshua.