Joshua Set to Face Fury, but a Preparatory Bout May Come First

Anthony Joshua is poised to engage in a high-profile battle with Tyson Fury, but he may first participate in a warm-up fight in July before confronting his British rival in November. Fury has already committed to the highly anticipated all-British showdown and has issued a fresh challenge to Joshua following his victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Joshua, however, has not made a commitment to the Fury fight amid speculation that he may take a warm-up bout in July, following a serious car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of his friends. Promoter Eddie Hearn stated that they received the contract for the Fury fight last week and are reviewing it, prioritizing Joshua's readiness to return to the ring after a tumultuous period in his life. Hearn expects Joshua to return to the ring in July, with a potential fight against Deontay Wilder, before facing Fury in November. Wilder's camp has not engaged in discussions regarding a potential fight, despite Hearn's interest in exploring the possibility of Joshua facing Wilder and Fury back-to-back.