Anthony Joshua responds to Tyson Fury’s contract ultimatum

Fury has set a deadline for Joshua

Anthony Joshua has responded to Tyson Fury's contract ultimatum and has insisted that he has every intention of signing the Gypsy King's contract proposal. Fury said on Saturday that he was prepared to walk away from negotiations if Joshua was not able to agree to the demands by Monday at the latest. Speaking in Manchester after Joe Joyce's victory against Joseph Parker he said: "I was optimistic about three weeks ago but it should not be taking this long to sign a contract. "We will know by Monday anyway because if it is not done by Monday I’m moving on. I’m not waiting around for some guy who has lost three of his last five fights. "I don’t mind chucking him a bone but I don’t want them to start dictating s**t to me. He is an invited guest at my party. My rules. So if you want to play the game, come to the banquet and take your seat." https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1573998439226114049 Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn hit back at the comments - highlighting the nine-day delay in receiving the offer - while Fury's own promoter Frank Warren also played down what was said. But during an Instagram live on Sunday, Joshua was asked if he would definitely sign the contract. He said: "I’ve been signing contracts for years. It’s not in my hands, it’s with the legal team. https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1574036638073864192 "That’s why you hire lawyers. If you know the history of boxing make sure you get the legal terms right, that’s why you get good management and good lawyers to make sure you get your business right. "Of course I’m going to sign the contract, it’s just with some lawyers at the minute." Should the pair agree on the contract a date of December 3 has been proposed for the highly-anticipated heabyweight bout. Related links:

• Tyson Fury set to open his own pub called the Brick and Tile
• Anthony Joshua accepts ‘all terms’ to fight Tyson Fury
• Frank Warren expects Tyson Fury to fight Anthony Joshua in the UK