Tyson Fury has intensified his verbal sparring with Anthony Joshua, labeling him a "coward" and accusing the two-time world heavyweight champion of "conning everybody" amid ongoing negotiations for their long-anticipated showdown.

As discussions seemed to inch closer to an agreement, a significant hurdle emerged: Saudi organisers Sela expressed a preference for hosting the fight in the USA, while Joshua’s camp insists on a UK venue.

Fury took to Instagram on Wednesday to express his frustrations, stating:

"Joshua, where are you? Still no deal done. It's getting quite tiring. I've been down to fight in every location that's been mentioned - England, Ireland, Vegas, New York, back to England, back to Ireland, back to New York. I've said yep, yep, yep every single time with zero stipulations."

He continued, accusing Joshua of avoiding the fight:

"The facts are that I feel like you're being a coward. I feel like you don't want the fight and you're just conning everybody. I feel like you've been doing that for years."

In July, Joshua secured a second-round knockout victory over Kristian Prenga, despite being knocked down twice in the first round. Fury also fought in July, defeating Mariusz Wach, who retired after the seventh round.

Fury challenged Joshua further:

"You've had many opportunities to fight me, but deep down you've never really wanted it, so let's see if you're going to man out for a final time."

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the situation is now entirely in Joshua's hands:

"Tyson has signed up for the fight and agreed to the fight. He's all good to go, just waiting for AJ."

Warren also expressed uncertainty about the fight's location, mentioning that Fury is open to fighting anywhere, stating:

"He doesn't care."

With tensions rising, fans eagerly await a resolution to the negotiations.