# Saudi minister Turki Alalshikh compelled Joshua to accept the challenge.

*business · news · 2026-04-12 · The Telegraph*

## Key points

- Saudi minister Turki Alalshikh is directly brokering separate negotiations with both Fury and Joshua's teams.
- Fury has signed his part of the fight deal, but Joshua has not yet agreed to terms.
- Joshua's reluctance is partly due to personal tragedy and a recent loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024.
- The proposed Fury-Joshua fight is targeted for late 2026, with Saudi backing and possible venues including Riyadh, Wembley, or Dublin.
- Fury stated he will retire if Joshua is not his next opponent, raising the stakes for the matchup.

**Countries:** Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, United Kingdom

[Read the full story on The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2026/04/12/what-is-going-on-tyson-fury-anthony-joshua-fight/)

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