Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's long-awaited heavyweight clash hit another roadblock after Saturday's showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Following Fury's victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, the Gypsy King immediately challenged Joshua to a Battle of Britain, but the British boxing icon refused to accept on the spot.

Joshua, who was ringside for Fury's win, told his rival he'd 'probably' fight him next but insisted on official contract negotiations rather than a public challenge. The standoff came despite Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh standing beside Fury urging Joshua to accept. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn also declined to enter the ring, disappointing thousands of fans who had gathered for what many expected would be the fight announcement.

Joshua explained he wanted to avoid 'clout-chasing' and preferred to finalize terms through proper channels. The two heavyweight titans have been circling each other for years, with a previous undisputed title fight agreement in 2021 falling through when Fury fought Deontay Wilder instead. Joshua, who has only fought once since his 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois, emphasized he's focused on personal matters following a serious car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two friends. While both camps suggest the fight will happen, Saturday's events made clear it won't be on Fury's immediate timeline.