Anthony Joshua Holds Fury Fight Contract, but a July Warm-Up Bout May Precede

Anthony Joshua is in possession of the contract for his highly anticipated fight against Tyson Fury, but he may first engage in a warm-up bout in July before facing Fury in November. Fury has already signed on for the all-British showdown and recently challenged Joshua following his victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Joshua's commitment to the fight has been uncertain due to his involvement in a severe car accident in Nigeria, which resulted in the tragic loss of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Promoter Eddie Hearn stated, 'We received the contract last week and are reviewing it. Given the recent events in AJ's life, we want to ensure he is ready to return to the ring.' Joshua is expected to resume full training soon, with July and November being the proposed dates for his next fights. There is speculation that Joshua's July bout could be against Deontay Wilder, with Hearn expressing interest in AJ facing Wilder and then Fury back-to-back. Hearn noted, 'I think it's very likely he will have a tune-up fight... Fury has just had his tune-up fight, and I expect us to do the same.' However, Wilder's camp has not been involved in any discussions regarding a potential fight against Joshua.