Joshua took to social media to reply to Fury’s earlier message. “It’s not in my hands,” Joshua said. “It’s with the legal team. That’s why you hire lawyers. You know the history of boxing, make sure you get your legal terms right. Of course, I’m going to sign a contract. It’s just with some lawyers at the minute.”

After growing frustrated at the lack of movement on the side of the Watford-born fighter, Fury has looked at alternatives and has potentially lined up a surprise fight with German boxer Mahmoud Charr.

Fury previously claimed that he would fight Charr on December 3 in Cardiff if the bout with Joshua did not go ahead.  The 34-year-old laid the gauntlet down to the German in a social media post. “If he don’t sign today you are in big G,” Fury said. “And you can show them how a real man throws down.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are 2019 NFC Champs - get your gear on at Fanatics