Anthony Joshua has already secured a contract for the highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, but his team is also weighing the option of a preparatory bout in July before the British heavyweight clash slated for November. Fury, who has also signed on for the long‑awaited all‑British mega‑event, threw down a fresh challenge to Joshua after his points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. While Joshua has not formally confirmed the Fury fight, rumours have swirled that he could step into the ring for a warm‑up fight in July. The speculation follows a harrowing car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele in December, an incident that has understandably delayed his return to training.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua’s camp, told Sky Sports, "I don’t know if Fury has signed or not – that’s his business. If he has, that’s great. We received the contract last week and we’re reviewing it now." He added that there has been a great deal happening in Joshua’s personal life, and the priority is to ensure the champion is fully ready to step back into the ring. "He’s about to get the all‑clear on the medical side, which is fantastic news," Hearn said.
The promoter also addressed the timing of Joshua’s return, noting that the original schedule aimed for a March fight followed by a bout with Fury in August. "Given everything that’s happened, the timeline has shifted. The two dates on the table now are July for a tune‑up fight and November for the Fury showdown," Hearn explained.
There is growing chatter that the July opponent could be former champion Deontay Wilder. Wilder, fresh off a victory over Derek Chisora, has expressed enthusiasm about a possible clash with the two‑time world champion. Hearn confirmed that discussions are underway to potentially line up a Wilder fight followed by Fury, describing it as a "back‑to‑back" scenario.
"I think it’s very likely we’ll have a tune‑up fight," Hearn said. "Given the circumstances, we were already planning something like this. Fury just had his own tune‑up, a 12‑round bout that sharpened him for the next challenge, and we expect to do the same with AJ." Regarding Wilder, Hearn clarified that while the promoter is open to a separate deal, the primary focus remains on securing the Fury fight. "We’ve made it clear we’re willing to arrange a fight with Deontay Wilder and then move straight into the Fury bout.
I’m not being disrespectful by calling Wilder a warm‑up fight – Joshua would feel comfortable taking that step," he said. He continued, "That isn’t the core of the deal we’ve been offered, but it’s an option we’d consider if it materialises.
Some might see it as the riskier route, especially with so much at stake – the Fury‑Joshua clash, the Netflix platform, the fans worldwide. I think they’ll likely look for a slightly easier opponent for Joshua, similar to what Fury had, before the big night." Hearn summed up the plan succinctly: "100 per cent, a warm‑up fight in July followed by Fury in November is the blueprint." However, the Wilder camp has yet to confirm any concrete talks.
Co‑manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports, "This is all new to me. I’d like to speak with Eddie to understand his thoughts before I comment further." The situation highlights the delicate balancing act for Joshua’s team: honoring the contractual commitment to Fury while ensuring the champion is physically and mentally prepared after a traumatic accident.
A July bout would provide valuable ring time, help gauge Joshua’s readiness, and potentially generate additional buzz ahead of the November headline event. If the warm‑up fight does materialise, it could serve multiple purposes.
First, it would allow Joshua to test his conditioning and timing after months of limited training. Second, it would give fans a glimpse of his form ahead of the much‑anticipated clash with Fury, whose own recent tune‑up demonstrated his sharpness.
Third, a successful performance could boost confidence for both fighters and their promoters, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown that could dominate pay‑per‑view charts and streaming platforms. The logistics of arranging a July fight also involve negotiating terms with a suitable opponent, securing venues, and aligning broadcast agreements.
Wilder remains a logical candidate given his name recognition and recent activity, but other contenders could emerge depending on availability and strategic fit. Meanwhile, the Fury camp appears ready to proceed once Joshua confirms his status. Fury’s recent 12‑round tune‑up was described as "vital" for sharpening his skills, and he is expected to be eager for the high‑profile clash with the British heavyweight.
Both fighters stand to benefit financially and reputationally from a well‑executed build‑up, with the added allure of a Netflix‑backed event that promises global reach. In summary, while the contract for the Joshua‑Fury fight is in place, the path to November may include a strategically placed warm‑up bout in July, potentially against Deontay Wilder. The decision hinges on Joshua’s medical clearance, his readiness to train at full capacity, and the negotiations between promoters. Fans can look forward to a series of developments in the coming months as the heavyweight division shapes up for what could become one of the sport’s defining rivalries.