Tyson Fury Enters Drug Testing Program Ahead of Anthony Joshua Bout

Tyson Fury has enrolled in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) testing program, his management confirmed. This development follows a threat from Anthony Joshua to boycott the first press conference for their highly anticipated bout if Fury did not enter the program.

Joshua's camp had previously enrolled in the VADA program, while Fury's team asserted that their contract allowed for a longer period to comply. However, with the initial face-to-face meeting between the two heavyweights approaching, Fury has now completed his enrollment and provided his whereabouts to VADA.

"We are enrolled in VADA. We are enrolled in VADA. Just to confirm that," Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, told Playbook Boxing. He clarified that while Fury's enrollment was completed slightly before the official fight announcement, it met contractual requirements. Brown also explained that enrollment precedes testing, and fighters are not given advance notice of when testers will arrive.

The dispute had threatened to overshadow the build-up to the fight. Concerns were raised by Joshua's camp regarding differing timelines for program entry outlined in their respective contracts, with promoter Eddie Hearn emphasizing the expectation for Fury's participation.

Another significant point of negotiation remains the precise timing of the December 11 fight, which will be held at Cardiff's Principality Stadium and streamed globally by Netflix. Organizers are targeting the U.S. primetime market, which could result in the main event occurring in the early hours of Saturday morning in Britain, with potential ring walks as late as 2 a.m.

Brown expressed reservations about this late start, stating, "I think 2 a.m. is far too late." He believes an earlier start would better accommodate fans watching in the UK and create a more suitable atmosphere. The late start is reportedly driven by Netflix's desire to maximize its U.S. audience, and Principality Stadium was chosen as it can accommodate the late finish, unlike proposed London venues.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding the event's licensing arrangements to accommodate the early-hours schedule. Fury and Joshua are scheduled to meet for their first public encounter at Wednesday's press conference in London, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to their long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown.