Fury accuses Joshua of 'pulling out' of Cardiff fight and calls him a 'yellow-bellied coward' just days after announcement

From the Newshound archive · first published 26 September 2026 · last updated 27 September 2026.

Tyson Fury has gone on Instagram to declare the long-awaited Battle of Britain against Anthony Joshua is in serious jeopardy, blaming Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn for the collapse. The row centres on whether UFC boss Dana White — named in the official announcement as co-promoter — can legally be involved, with Hearn insisting Joshua's contract bars him. Replacement bouts are already being explored, with David Benavidez and a Terence Crawford vs Ryan Garcia clash both under consideration.

Fury has endorsed a fight poster for himself vs Benavidez on the same December date in Cardiff, with Turki Alalshikh reportedly seeking alternative opponents.

'AJ, pull your finger out you little white-flagged, yellow-bellied coward,' Fury said — adding the dispute was 'mainly to do with Eddie Hearn's ego'.