Anthony Joshua is in possession of the contract for a highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, though he might engage in a warm-up fight in July before facing his British counterpart in November. Following his points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury has already signed on for the long-awaited all-British mega fight and issued a fresh challenge to Joshua. However, Joshua has not committed to the Fury fight, amidst speculation that he could take on a warm-up bout in July, after being involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the tragic deaths of his friends.
Promoter Eddie Hearn stated that they received the contract last week and are reviewing it, ensuring Joshua is ready to return to the ring after a series of life events. Hearn expects Joshua to be back in the ring in July, with the original plan to fight in March and then face Fury in August having been delayed. There is speculation that Joshua's July bout could be against Deontay Wilder, with Hearn exploring the possibility of AJ facing Wilder and then Fury 'back-to-back'.