Tyson Fury is reportedly weighing the option of stepping into the ring for a preparatory bout before his highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua later this year. The much‑talked‑about Fury‑versus‑AJ encounter is slated to occur before the close of 2026, but before that marquee event, Joshua is set to have a warm‑up fight on July 25 in Riyadh. Having come out of a year‑long retirement earlier this month, Fury is also contemplating a similar tune‑up, potentially in the same month of July. His promoter, Frank Warren, hinted at this possibility during an interview with Sky Sports, stating, "He may decide he wants to do another fight." Warren elaborated, "It wouldn't surprise me.
Tyson wants to stay active. He needs a clear focus on boxing, and a date helps with that. Right now there isn’t a fixed date for the Joshua fight because AJ is fighting in July." The outcome of Joshua’s July bout against the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga could have a direct impact on the Fury‑Joshua matchup.
Warren warned, "We'll have to discuss it afterwards. Hopefully he doesn’t lose. If he can’t beat this opponent, he certainly won’t be able to beat Tyson." He stressed the importance of Joshua proving himself in the ring to keep the super‑fight on track. Assuming Joshua emerges victorious and Fury also secures a warm‑up fight, the next step will be to lock in a date for the heavyweight clash.
Industry insiders believe the fight would likely be scheduled for October or November, giving both fighters ample time to recover, train, and promote the event. Warren noted, "AJ fights on July 25, then he’ll need to return to camp.
That’s the typical timeline. Tyson would like to move quickly, ideally in August or September." The venue for the showdown has not yet been finalized, but Wembley Stadium in London is being floated as a natural choice for an event of this magnitude. "We’d all love to see it in the UK, but we’ll see what works," Warren said, adding that negotiations with promoters and broadcasters will shape the final decision.
Warren also dismissed concerns about potential ego battles over who will be the A‑side, who walks out first, or other contractual minutiae. "Those details will be sorted out, but honestly, it doesn’t matter to me.
There can only be one winner," he affirmed, emphasizing his confidence in Fury’s chances. Financially, both fighters are set to earn substantial purses, reflecting the massive box‑office draw the bout promises.
The involvement of Saudi Arabian investors, led by Turki Al‑Alshikh, adds another layer of financial muscle, ensuring the event will be a premium spectacle. There have even been rumors that Al‑Alshikh wishes pop star Dua Lipa to perform at the event, but Warren believes this will not impede the fight’s realization.
"I doubt it will be an issue," he remarked. Beyond the logistics, there is a personal narrative at play. Fury’s recent return to the sport follows a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends, an event that has weighed heavily on his mental health.
Warren suggested that a warm‑up fight could serve as a therapeutic step for Fury, helping him shake off any lingering emotional cobwebs and regain confidence before the biggest test of his career. In summary, the path to a Fury‑versus‑Joshua showdown appears to be taking shape: Joshua will fight Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Fury may line up his own preparatory bout in July, and a final date—likely in the autumn months—will be set once both athletes have proven themselves ready. Wembley remains a strong candidate for the venue, and the backing of Saudi financiers promises a lavish production, possibly featuring high‑profile entertainment.
While there are still variables to resolve, such as the exact timing and any ancillary performance requests, the consensus among promoters is that the fight will proceed without major hiccups. The boxing world eagerly awaits what promises to be a historic heavyweight clash that could capture the imagination of fans worldwide.