Tyson Fury has declared that Anthony Joshua is collecting a "final payday" when the pair meet on December 11, though the heavyweight champion intends to keep fighting long after their showdown concludes. According to Sky Sports, Fury made the comments while speaking to WSVN Miami from his training camp.
The two British heavyweights have long been rivals and both held world titles at different points in their careers, yet they have never squared off in a title unification bout. The New York Times confirmed the fight will take place at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, which has a reported capacity of 73,931, with Netflix set to stream it worldwide.
Fury reflected on how long the fight had taken to materialise.
I never thought it would happen,he said.
I didn't think he had the minerals to get in there with the GK ['Gypsy King'] and he didn't [previously]. Four or five times he turned the fight down.
The 38-year-old then turned his attention to Joshua's current standing in the sport.
At the end of his career now he wants a final payday. I'll give it to him, no problem.Sky Sports have contacted Joshua's promoter Matchroom Boxing for comment.
Fury painted a vivid picture of what fans should expect from the December clash.
[Fans] will see an end of an era,he said.
Me especially, I'm from the class of 2008 [as an amateur], Olympic year '08. It's been a long time, this fight's been building for a very long time.
He continued with his assessment of the spectacle to come.
What will they see? They'll see legendary fighters throwing down in their late 30s like all the greats did before.Fury then offered a broader perspective on combat sport itself.
Since time began men have fought each other for a prize. Or for a victory. Or for whatever it might be. Respect. So there's nothing different going on here. Just two modern-day gladiators throwing down. For pride, glory and a **** ton of money.
Despite his age, Fury has no intention of hanging up his gloves after Joshua.
I'm going to continue. I've got two fights left on my contract,he explained.
I'll finish the contract off and then probably sign another 10-fight deal. Who knows?
The champion outlined his thinking on future commitments.
If the money's right sign another 10 fights, but they've got to be quick because I'm getting older. And when it's gone it's gone. I'm coming up to fight No 40.
Fury's clear target after Joshua is a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk. The heavyweight remains deeply unhappy with the decision that went against him in their second encounter with the Ukrainian great.
Usyk knows he can't get any money anywhere else,Fury declared.
If you want to get paid you've got to come and see me in the heavyweight division.
The Gypsy King then made a sweeping claim about his place in boxing history.
I rank myself as the best heavyweight who's ever put on a pair of gloves. There's never been anybody like me,he added.
6'9", 275lbs, box like a middleweight and dance all over the ring for 12 rounds. Can knock you out with either hand, southpaw or orthodox, or slip and slide like a lightweight. There ain't been one.
Fury concluded by emphasising his continued dominance at an advanced age.
I'm 38-years-old and I'm still proving all the critics wrong.
The Cardiff showdown details
The December 11 bout represents a significant moment for both fighters. According to Sky Sports, the WBA "super" heavyweight title is expected to be on the line, with promoter Frank Warren confirming the championship status. The fight deal contains no rematch clause, meaning the loser faces a potentially uncertain future.
Negotiations for the bout had been protracted, with the fighters' teams signing contracts in April 2026 but differing venue requirements prolonging talks. Joshua's contract stipulated the fight must take place in the UK, which ultimately led to Cardiff being selected as the venue.
What comes next
The Principality Stadium will host the heavyweight clash on December 11, though the undercard has not yet been confirmed. A promotional dispute has created some uncertainty around the fight's first major media event, with promoter Eddie Hearn indicating that a planned press conference would not proceed without Matchroom's involvement.
