Tyson Fury is 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 fight is slated to happen before the close of 2026, but before that marquee event, Joshua is set to have his own warm‑up contest 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, to sharpen his skills and stay active. His promoter, Frank Warren, hinted at this possibility during an interview with Sky Sports, saying, "He may decide he wants to do another fight." Warren added that such a move would not be surprising, noting that Fury likes to keep busy and maintain focus on his boxing career.
"He needs a date to lock in his preparation, and right now there is no confirmed date for the Joshua fight because Anthony is booked for July," Warren explained. The outcome of Joshua's upcoming bout against the relatively unknown Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga could have a direct impact on whether the Fury‑Joshua clash proceeds as planned. Warren stressed the importance of Joshua securing a victory, stating, "We'll have to discuss the next steps afterward. Let's hope he doesn't lose.
If he can't beat this opponent, it's unlikely he'll be able to take on Tyson." The promoter emphasized that a win would help Joshua shake off any lingering doubts and mental hurdles that may have arisen after the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. "This fight is about proving himself, clearing the cobwebs, and moving past any lingering trauma," Warren said.
Assuming Joshua emerges victorious and Fury also completes a warm‑up fight, the next major task will be to set a date for their heavyweight super‑fight. The consensus among insiders points to an October or November timeframe.
Warren suggested that after Joshua's July 25 fight, the British champion will need time to return to camp, which could push the showdown into late summer or early autumn. "Tyson would like to get it done as soon as possible, perhaps in August or September," Warren noted. The venue for the bout remains undecided, though Wembley Stadium in London is a logical choice given its capacity and prestige. "We would love to see it in the UK, but we’ll see what the negotiations bring," Warren said.
He also downplayed any potential disputes over promotional hierarchy, such as who would be the A‑side or B‑side, or the order of ring walks. "In the end, there will be only one winner, and that’s all that matters," he remarked, reinforcing his confidence in Fury's chances.
Financial considerations are also at the forefront of discussions. Both fighters are expected to command massive purses, and the event's profitability will hinge on ticket sales, pay‑per‑view numbers, and the involvement of Saudi investors who have shown keen interest in financing high‑profile boxing matches. Warren highlighted that the money involved is substantial enough for the athletes to "skip into the ring doing cartwheels," underscoring the commercial allure of the fight.
An unexpected twist that could arise is a stipulation from Saudi financier Turki Al‑Alshikh, who reportedly wants pop star Dua Lipa to perform at the event. While such a demand might seem unusual for a boxing match, Warren expressed confidence that it would not derail the negotiations. "I doubt it will be a roadblock," he said, indicating that the focus remains squarely on getting the fight on the calendar. In summary, the path to a Fury‑Joshua clash involves several moving pieces: Joshua's July 25 warm‑up in Riyadh, a potential Fury tune‑up later that month, the outcome of Joshua's bout against Prenga, and the eventual setting of a date and venue for the heavyweight showdown.
Warren remains optimistic, concluding, "Hopefully there are no hiccups and we get it done. It's the big fight, it's finally on, and it will capture everyone's imagination." Fans can also look forward to other notable matchups on the horizon, such as the upcoming Chris Billam‑Smith versus Ryan Rozicki fight, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Saturday, June 6.