Anthony Joshua has already secured a contract for a high‑profile showdown with Tyson Fury, yet his team is considering a preparatory bout in July before the much‑anticipated clash with the British heavyweight later in November. Fury, who has also signed on for the long‑awaited all‑British mega‑event, renewed his challenge to Joshua after the English champion earned a points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. While the Fury fight is now on the books, Joshua has not given a definitive answer, fueling speculation that he could step into the ring in July for a warm‑up fight. The possibility arises after a harrowing car accident in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele and left Joshua with injuries that required a lengthy recovery.
Promoter Eddie Hearn addressed the situation on Sky Sports, stating, "I don't know if Fury has signed or not, that is his business. If he has then that is great. We received the contract last week and we are reviewing it.
Obviously a lot has happened in AJ's life and we want to make sure he is ready to return to the ring. He is about to get the all‑clear on the physical side to resume full training, and that is great news." Hearn continued, "We expect to see him back in the ring in July.
The original plan was a March fight, followed by a bout with Tyson Fury in August. Given everything that has transpired, those dates have shifted. July and November are the two windows we have now, and we intend to move forward with them." The speculation surrounding a July opponent has centered on former champion Deontay Wilder.
After Wilder defeated Derek Chisora, he expressed enthusiasm about a potential clash with the two‑time world champion Joshua. Hearn confirmed that discussions are underway to possibly line up a Wilder‑Joshua fight as a tune‑up, followed by the Fury showdown "back‑to‑back." He added, "I think it is very likely we will have a tune‑up fight. Given what happened, we were supposed to be doing that anyway.
Fury just had his own tune‑up with twelve crucial rounds to sharpen up, and we expect to do the same." Regarding the Wilder option, Hearn clarified, "Wilder would be a separate deal. We have made it clear we are willing to fight Deontay Wilder and then Tyson Fury in succession.
I am not being disrespectful by calling Wilder a warm‑up fight; AJ is comfortable taking that step next. That is not the basis of the deal we have been offered, but it is something we would be very interested in if presented, and we want to explore that route." He also noted the commercial stakes, saying, "Some might see this as the riskier path, especially with so much riding on Fury versus Joshua – Netflix, promoters, fans.
I think they will probably look for a slightly easier option for Joshua, similar to what Fury had, and then move straight into the big fight. 100 per cent, a warm‑up fight in July and Fury in November is the plan." Despite Hearn’s comments, Wilder’s camp has not confirmed any negotiations.
Co‑manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports, "This is all new to me. I would like to speak with Eddie to see what he is thinking before I say anything." The timeline for Joshua’s return is crucial. After the tragic accident, his recovery has involved both physical rehabilitation and mental healing. Medical staff have been monitoring his progress closely, and the upcoming physical clearance will determine when he can resume full‑time training.
If cleared, a July fight would provide a valuable test of his conditioning, timing, and confidence before the high‑stakes November encounter with Fury. From a strategic standpoint, a July bout offers several benefits. First, it allows Joshua to gauge his performance against a top‑tier opponent after months away from competition, helping his team fine‑tune tactics and address any lingering issues. Second, it keeps him in the public eye, maintaining momentum and fan interest ahead of the marquee event.
Finally, it offers a financial boost, as a high‑profile warm‑up fight can generate significant gate revenue and pay‑per‑view interest. Potential opponents besides Wilder include other heavyweight contenders seeking a marquee platform. However, Wilder remains the most talked‑about candidate due to his own desire to re‑establish himself after a series of setbacks and his marketability as a former champion. A Joshua‑Wilder showdown would likely attract considerable attention, setting the stage for an even bigger narrative when Joshua eventually faces Fury.
The Fury‑Joshua fight itself promises to be a historic moment for British boxing, pitting two of the sport’s biggest names against each other in a clash that could determine the heavyweight hierarchy for years to come. Both fighters bring distinct styles: Fury’s height, reach, and unorthodox movement contrast with Joshua’s power, pressure, and technical boxing skills. Analysts anticipate a tactical battle, with Fury looking to exploit his jab and footwork while Joshua seeks to close the distance and land decisive blows.
Negotiations over the Fury bout have already covered venue, broadcast rights, and financial terms. Netflix has secured the streaming rights, ensuring a global audience, while the venue is expected to be a major UK arena capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans. The November date aligns with the traditional boxing calendar, allowing both fighters ample time to prepare and promote the event.
In summary, while Anthony Joshua holds a contract for a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury, his camp, led by Eddie Hearn, is actively planning a July warm‑up fight—most likely against Deontay Wilder—to ensure Joshua returns to the ring in optimal condition. The plan is to use that bout as a stepping stone toward the high‑profile November showdown, which promises to be one of the biggest heavyweight events in recent memory.