Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are officially slated to clash in what many are calling the heavyweight event of the year, with both camps confirming that the long‑awaited bout will happen later in the calendar. The British heavyweight champion, Joshua, will first step back into the ring on July 25 for a preparatory fight against the relatively unknown Kristian Prenga.
That encounter is intended to serve as a springboard, sharpening Joshua’s form ahead of the ultimate test against his most prominent rival, Fury. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua’s career, took to his social media platforms to celebrate the news, posting a short but emphatic message: “Signed, sealed and delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!” He went on to describe the agreement as the biggest commercial venture his organization has ever undertaken, adding that it also represents the fight they have dreamed about for years.
Hearn emphasized that the upcoming year will be the most consequential in Joshua’s professional journey, noting that the comeback fight is now a reality. In parallel, Fury has been vocal about his desire to face Joshua ever since his points‑winning performance over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month. Following that victory, the former world champion confirmed that he had put his signature on the contract for the all‑British mega‑event.
Ring Magazine, a leading authority on the sport, posted on its social channels that the bout is a “done deal” scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, although other reports suggest the fight could materialise sooner, depending on the outcome of Joshua’s July tune‑up. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling with high‑profile match‑ups, and the Joshua‑Fury showdown is expected to dominate the conversation. Fans can follow the action through various streaming platforms, including NOW, which offers a contract‑free viewing experience, and keep up with weekly analysis on the Toe2Toe podcast. Highlight reels and fight recaps will also be widely available for those who want to relive the most exciting moments.
Hearn has previously indicated to Sky Sports that November is the target month for the Joshua‑Fury clash, contingent upon Joshua’s successful return after his July bout. The two fighters have been circling each other for nearly a decade, each building a storied career that has captured the imagination of boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
Fury first rose to global prominence when he shocked the boxing world by dethroning Wladimir Klitschko a decade ago, while Joshua entered the professional ranks after securing an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games and quickly ascended the heavyweight ladder. When Joshua captured his first world title in 2016, Fury was temporarily out of the sport, only to return later and claim the WBC championship by defeating Deontay Wilder.
At that point, the prospect of an undisputed heavyweight showdown between the two British titans seemed within reach, with Joshua holding the IBF, WBO and WBA belts. However, the plans were derailed when Fury opted for a third encounter with Wilder, and Joshua suffered a defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk, who later also overcame Fury, forced both men into a period of reassessment. Fury’s recent victory over Makhmudov in London marked his re‑entry into the conversation about the heavyweight throne. Meanwhile, Joshua has been rebuilding after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close teammates and left him with significant injuries.
He has since resumed training, now working alongside his former adversary Usyk, who publicly backs Joshua’s chances against Fury. The final piece of the puzzle before the headline clash is Joshua’s interim fight against Kristian Prenga on July 25. That bout will serve as a litmus test for Joshua’s physical readiness and mental sharpness. Once that hurdle is cleared, the path is clear for the two British heavyweights to meet in what is expected to be the most lucrative and highly anticipated fight in the United Kingdom’s boxing history.
While the exact venue and date have yet to be officially announced, speculation points toward a large British stadium capable of accommodating the massive demand from fans. Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott summed up the atmosphere surrounding the deal, stating, “Every part of this agreement points to Anthony Joshua fighting Tyson Fury this year.” He added that representatives from Gold Star Promotions, which manages Fury, have given their green light, and that the contractual details are essentially finalized. Scott also revealed some surprising side notes that have emerged in the negotiations.
According to sources, the promotional team has discussed incorporating a performance by pop star Dua Lipa into the event’s entertainment lineup, adding a celebrity flair to the sporting spectacle. While such details remain unofficial, they illustrate the scale and ambition of the production surrounding the fight. In summary, the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is now more than a rumor—it is a confirmed contract awaiting only the final logistical pieces. Joshua’s upcoming fight against Prenga will be the immediate test of his comeback, after which the two British champions are set to collide in a bout that promises to define the era.
The boxing world watches with anticipation, ready for what could become the most iconic heavyweight contest in recent memory.