The fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury appears to be off, with Joshua failing to meet Fury's Monday ultimatum to sign a contract.
This is despite Frank Warren pleading for patience from his client with both he and Eddie Hearn keen to make the fight happen. However, any hopes that there will be a fight between the pair appear to be dashed, with Fury explaining in unequivocal terms that he will not be fighting 'AJ'.
The pair have remarkably never faced one another despite a two-fight deal having been agreed in 2020 before Fury was ordered to fight Deontay Wilder in a trilogy fight by a US court. This meant that last autumn Fury faced Wilder for a third time, claiming victory, while 'AJ' lost to Oleksandr Usyk in their first fight.
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What has been said?
Fury has brought fans a valuable update on the progress of talks, breaking his social media silence to share the fight's progress. In a video posted to his Instagram on Monday, Fury said: "Well guys, it's official. D-day has come and gone. It's gone past five o'clock, Monday. No contract has been signed.
"It's officially over for Joshua. He is now out in the cold with the wolfpack. Forget about it. Always knew you didn't have the minerals to fight the 'Gypsy king'.
"Regardless of what you say now, I don't really care. Good luck with your career, and your life. End of. Peace out."
Meanwhile, Joshua gave fans an update from his perspective, saying: "It ain't in my hands, it's with a legal team," Joshua said in a video posted to his Instagram account. "That's why you hire lawyers.
"You know the history of boxing - make sure you get your legal terms right. That's why you get good management and good lawyers.
"So of course I'm going to sign the contract - it's just with some lawyers at the minute." However, despite these claims from Joshua that his legal team were working to make the fight happen, Fury has pulled the plug of his own accord and ended any hope of a potential fight between the pair.
What dates and venue were discussed for the fight?
The fight was due take place on December 3rd, although Fury has announced that he will fight on that date regardless of Joshua's decision.
Fury's camp were only willing to accept either a November 26th fight or a December 3rd date. The fight was due to take place at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, with the Welsh national stadium acting as a neutral venue for the fight. It also safeguards the event from the potential for poor weather, with a retractable roof offering fans a comfortable experience for the winter fight.
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