Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are officially slated to clash in what many are calling the heavyweight event of the year, a bout that has been whispered about for almost a decade. The two British heavyweights will finally meet after a series of build‑up fights, promotional negotiations, and a handful of setbacks that have only heightened anticipation among fans worldwide.
The road to the showdown begins with Joshua's next scheduled appearance on July 25, when he will step into the ring against Kristian Prenga. This match is being billed as a tune‑up for the champion, a chance to shake off any rust and demonstrate that he remains a force to be reckoned with after a period of recovery and personal tragedy. Once the Prenga fight is completed, the path will be clear for the much‑anticipated clash with Fury. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, took to his social channels to confirm the deal, posting: "Signed, sealed and delivered!
AJ vs Fury is on!" He went on to describe the arrangement as "the biggest piece of business we've ever done but, more importantly, the one we've always wanted." Hearn added that the upcoming year would be "the biggest year of AJ's career" and that the comeback fight was already in motion. Tyson Fury, who had previously called out Joshua after his points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month, also confirmed his side of the agreement.
In a statement released shortly after his win, Fury announced that he had officially signed the contract for the all‑British mega‑fight, cementing the long‑standing rivalry into a concrete plan. Ring Magazine echoed the news, labeling the encounter a "done deal" and indicating that the fight would take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. While the exact venue and date have yet to be disclosed, speculation points toward a major stadium in the United Kingdom, given the massive domestic interest. The background to this matchup is rich with history.
Fury first captured a heavyweight world title a decade ago when he shocked the boxing world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua, meanwhile, turned professional after winning Olympic gold in London 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks, securing his first world championship belt in 2016.
At that point, Fury had temporarily stepped away from the sport, only to return later and claim the WBC title by beating Deontay Wilder. For several years, the two champions seemed destined to meet in a unification bout that would crown an undisputed heavyweight champion. However, scheduling conflicts and other fights intervened.
Fury opted for a third fight with Wilder, while Joshua suffered a high‑profile loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk later defeated Fury, prompting the latter to retire again at the start of the previous year.
Fury's recent victory over Makhmudov in London signaled his readiness to return to the top of the division, and with that win he publicly confirmed his part of the contract with Joshua. At the same time, Joshua has been rebuilding after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members, an event that forced him to pause his training regimen.
He has now resumed full‑time preparation, even sparring with his former opponent Usyk, who has publicly backed Joshua's chances against Fury. The upcoming Prenga fight on July 25 serves as the final hurdle for Joshua before the ultimate test.
Once that bout is completed, the two British titans will finally meet in what is expected to be the most lucrative and widely watched heavyweight contest in UK boxing history. While the precise location remains under discussion, a large stadium capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans is the likely setting.
Boxing analyst Andy Scott of Sky Sports summed up the situation: "If you examine every element of this deal, everyone is saying the same thing—Anthony Joshua will fight Tyson Fury this year. I’ve spoken to Spencer Brown of Gold Star Promotions, who represents Fury, and he confirmed that the agreement is in place.
Fury himself announced after his fight with Makhmudov that he had signed his side of the contract. There was a bit of disappointment that Joshua didn’t confirm the fight on the night, but according to Turki, Spencer Brown, and Eddie Hearn, the fight is done." Scott added that several logistical pieces still need to be finalized, including the venue and the confirmation of Joshua's comeback bout.
He also mentioned a surprising detail that has floated through the rumor mill: a pop star, Dua Lipa, has allegedly been asked to perform at the event, a suggestion that has generated a chuckle among insiders. In summary, the stage is set for a historic heavyweight encounter.
Joshua will use his July 25 fight as a springboard, while Fury has already signaled his commitment. With promoters, fighters, and even entertainment figures aligning, the AJ vs. Fury showdown appears to be only a matter of time before it materializes in a packed arena, delivering a night of boxing that British fans have been waiting for for nearly ten years.