Zuffa Boxing boss Dana White has expressed doubts over the proposed Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury heavyweight clash, saying the fight should have taken place years ago and questioning whether both boxers are still committed to making it happen.

Joshua and Fury signed agreements earlier this year to face each other, but a date and venue for the highly anticipated bout have yet to be officially confirmed.

Reports indicated that Netflix, which is expected to broadcast the fight, favoured staging it at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 20. However, Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, reportedly want the contest to take place in the United Kingdom, in line with their agreement.

White said his involvement in the negotiations had mainly covered the television and venue arrangements, with the location now emerging as the major obstacle.

Joshua has a professional record of 30 wins and four defeats, including 27 victories by knockout, while Fury has recorded 36 wins, two losses and one draw, with 25 knockouts.

Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, warned that the disagreement over the venue could ultimately prevent the fight from happening. He said Fury’s agreement contained different terms from Joshua’s contract.

Warren revealed that Fury signed for the fight in January, with the bout initially expected to take place in September. However, plans were delayed following a tragic accident involving Joshua in which he lost two close friends.

The fight is now expected to be held in November, although the venue remains unresolved.

White expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiations, saying both fighters must genuinely want the fight for it to happen.

He noted that the Joshua-Fury bout had been discussed for years and argued that it should have taken place about a decade ago.

White said the ongoing dispute would ultimately determine whether the long-awaited heavyweight clash would finally go ahead.