The long‑awaited heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is now officially confirmed, with both camps having signed the necessary agreements to bring the bout to fruition later this year. Joshua is slated to return to the ring on July 25 for a preparatory fight against Kristian Prenga, after which he will face his storied British rival, Fury, in what promises to be a historic encounter. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, announced the news on his social media platforms, declaring, "Signed, sealed and delivered!
AJ vs Fury is on!" He went on to describe the agreement 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 will be "the biggest year of AJ's career," emphasizing that the comeback fight is already in motion. Fury, fresh off a points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month, also publicly confirmed his commitment to the all‑British mega‑fight.
In a recent interview he said he had signed the contract, underscoring his eagerness to face Joshua. Ring Magazine echoed the sentiment, labeling the matchup a "done deal" and indicating that the fight is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, according to a social‑media post released on Monday. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling up with high‑profile contests, and the Joshua‑Fury showdown is expected to sit at the pinnacle of that schedule. Fans can look forward to streaming the event through the NOW platform, which promises a contract‑free viewing experience, and can stay updated via the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for insider commentary and analysis.
Hearn previously told Sky Sports that November is the target month for the Joshua‑Fury bout, contingent upon Joshua completing his July tune‑up. Both fighters have been circling each other for nearly a decade. Fury first captured the heavyweight world title a decade ago when he shocked the boxing world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua, meanwhile, turned professional after winning an Olympic gold medal in London 2012 and quickly rose through the professional ranks, securing his first world title belt in 2016.
At that point, Fury had taken a hiatus from the sport, but he later returned to claim the WBC heavyweight championship by beating Deontay Wilder. Joshua, holding the unified IBF, WBO, and WBA titles, was on the verge of a unification bout that would have settled the heavyweight landscape. However, plans shifted when Fury opted for a third fight with Wilder, and Joshua suffered a defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk also bested Fury, prompting Fury to retire again at the start of the previous year. Fury's recent victory over Makhmudov in London signaled his re‑entry into the ring, while Joshua has been rebuilding after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members.
Joshua is currently back in training, even working alongside his former rival Usyk, who has publicly backed him to overcome Fury when the two finally meet. The next immediate hurdle for Joshua is his July 25 fight against Kristian Prenga, which serves as a final test before the much‑anticipated showdown. The exact date and venue for the Joshua‑Fury clash remain unconfirmed, but speculation points toward another major British stadium, ensuring a massive live‑audience atmosphere.
Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott weighed in on the situation, stating, "If you examine each component of this deal, everyone is saying the same thing: Anthony Joshua will fight Tyson Fury this year." He confirmed conversations with Spencer Brown of Gold Star Promotions, Fury's representative, who has given the green light to finalize the bout. Scott also noted that Fury confirmed his part of the contract after his win over Makhmudov, though there was some disappointment that Joshua did not publicly sign on the night of the fight.
According to Scott, the deal is solidified by key figures such as Turki, Spencer Brown, and Eddie Hearn. Yet, several logistical details remain unresolved: the venue has not been locked down, and Joshua still needs to complete his comeback fight.
Brown has hinted that the agreement may involve a two‑fight arrangement, potentially opening the door for a rematch depending on the outcome of the first encounter. In a surprising twist, Scott relayed a rumor that the promoter Turki has stipulated that pop star Dua Lipa perform at the event, adding a touch of entertainment flair to the already high‑stakes sporting spectacle. While this detail remains unverified, it underscores the cultural significance and commercial appeal of the matchup.
In summary, the path to the Joshua‑Fury fight is nearly complete. Joshua must first navigate his July 25 bout, after which all signs point toward a November showdown that could crown the definitive heavyweight champion of the era. The fight promises to be the most eagerly awaited heavyweight contest in British boxing history, combining two of the sport's biggest names, a massive fan base, and the potential for a night of unforgettable moments both inside and outside the ring.