Anthony Joshua says Saudi chief and Netflix want him to lose to Tyson Fury

The British heavyweight says Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh and streaming partner Netflix are favouring Fury, and doubts the timing of Fury's VADA drug testing.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:31:19 GMT

Anthony Joshua told reporters on 1 October that he believes Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and Netflix are working to ensure Tyson Fury wins their December 11 bout in Cardiff.

What happened

At a press conference on 30 September, Joshua raised concerns that the fight’s venue change to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff – a decision backed by Alalshikh, who is financing the event – would cost the Saudi promoter $70 million in revenue, yet he accepted the loss to serve British fans. Joshua also said the eight‑figure pay difference for Fury was known to promoter Eddie Hearn. Later, on 1 October, Joshua said Fury’s late enrolment in the Voluntary Anti‑Doping Association (VADA) testing programme – only days before the fight – raised questions, though he stopped short of accusing Fury of doping.

What the reports add

Independent UK reported that Joshua believes Alalshikh and Netflix want him to lose, citing his comment that “if someone hits you, you stab them”. The same outlet also noted Joshua’s view that Fury’s VADA registration was “at the 11th hour” but that he does not think Fury was “on a cycle”. Both pieces quote Joshua directly and reference earlier statements from promoter Eddie Hearn about the eight‑figure pay gap.

What was said

Joshua told the press, “Yes. I believe that, yeah… I want to do good but if someone hits you, you stab them. If you f*** with me and you want to see me lose, I will f*** you up even more.” He added, “I don’t think he was on a cycle. It definitely isn’t working if he was,” referring to Fury’s drug‑testing delay. Eddie Hearn said Joshua was aware of an “eight‑figure difference” in Fury’s purse. Alalshikh, who is financing the fight, reportedly said he would accept a $70 million revenue loss to keep the bout in the UK.

How it came about

The heavyweight clash has been in negotiation for over a decade. Felo News previously reported that Joshua forfeited more than £10 million to keep the fight in the UK (link) and that the bout was confirmed for Cardiff on 11 December (link). Earlier coverage noted Fury’s camp pushing for an earlier start time (link) and the involvement of Dana White in promotional talks (link). Joshua’s latest comments add a personal grievance about perceived bias from Alalshikh and Netflix, and raise fresh doubts about Fury’s anti‑doping compliance.

Key facts

Joshua alleges Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh and Netflix want him to lose to Fury. (independent.co.uk)
Fury joined VADA testing only days before the fight, which Joshua says is unusually late. (independent.co.uk)
Alalshikh is financing the fight and accepted a $70 million revenue loss to keep it in the UK. (independent.co.uk)