Tyson Fury is entertaining the idea of stepping back into the ring for a preparatory bout before his highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua later this year. The marquee heavyweight clash between the two fighters is slated to happen before the close of 2026, yet Joshua has already booked a warm‑up contest for July 25 in Riyadh against the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga.
Having ended a year‑long retirement earlier this month, Fury is also weighing the benefits of a similar tune‑up fight, potentially slated for July as well. His promoter, Frank Warren, hinted to Sky Sports that the former world champion might decide to add another fight to his schedule. "He may decide he wants to do another fight," Warren said, adding that it would be unsurprising given Fury’s desire to stay active and maintain a clear focus on his boxing objectives.
Warren noted that the timing of a Fury‑Joshua bout remains fluid because Joshua’s July engagement is already confirmed, but there is currently no set date for the British heavyweight showdown. "Tyson wants to keep busy.
He needs to have a focal point in his life when it comes to boxing. Right now there’s no date for the Joshua fight because AJ is fighting in July," Warren explained.
The outcome of Joshua’s bout against Prenga could have a direct impact on the feasibility of the Fury‑Joshua fight. If the under‑dog were to cause an upset, it would throw a wrench into the promotional plans for the super‑fight. Warren emphasized the importance of a clean victory for Joshua, saying, "We'll have to talk about that afterwards. Let's hope he doesn't lose.
If he isn’t going to beat this fellow, he isn’t going to beat Tyson, that’s for sure. He’s got to go out and do a job." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with major events, and fans are eager for high‑profile match‑ups. Various streaming services, including NOW, are promoting contract‑free access to boxing, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis. Highlight reels and video content continue to draw significant online traffic, keeping the sport in the public eye.
Warren also touched on the psychological aspect of the upcoming bout for Joshua, noting that the fight against Prenga serves as a chance for the British heavyweight to clear any lingering doubts and address the emotional scars left by the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. "This fight is here for him to win and get all the cobwebs out and some of the mental problems that he may have, or not, from that terrible tragedy of losing his two friends in that car crash. So that’s what it’s all about," Warren said. Assuming Joshua emerges victorious and Fury successfully completes a potential warm‑up bout, the next step will be to lock in a date for the ultimate heavyweight confrontation.
Both parties appear to be aiming for an autumn slot, with October or November being the most plausible windows. Warren explained that after Joshua’s July 25 fight, the champion will need time to return to camp and rebuild, which could set the stage for an August or September showdown, though the exact timing is still under discussion. The venue for the clash has not yet been finalized, but Wembley Stadium in London emerges as a logical choice given its capacity and historic significance for major sporting events.
"We’d all like it in the UK but we’ll see," Warren said, indicating a preference for a domestic setting while remaining open to other possibilities. Negotiations over the contractual details—such as which fighter will be designated the ‘A‑side,’ who will walk to the ring first, and other promotional considerations—are expected to be resolved without major drama.
Warren expressed confidence that these logistical matters would not distract from the primary focus: the fight itself. "For me, there’s only one winner," he said, emphasizing his support for Fury while acknowledging the massive purses both athletes are set to receive. Financial backing from Saudi interests, particularly the involvement of financier Turki Al‑Alshikh, has added a layer of intrigue to the event. There have been rumors that Al‑Alshikh wishes to feature pop star Dua Lipa as a performer during the fight night, a stipulation that could potentially complicate negotiations.
However, Warren downplayed the likelihood of this becoming an obstacle, stating, "I doubt it very much," and expressing optimism that the fight will proceed smoothly. In closing, Warren voiced hope that the promotional process would encounter no major hiccups and that the event would capture the imagination of a global audience.
"It’s the big fight. It’s finally on and it’ll capture everybody’s imagination," he said, underscoring the significance of what could become a defining moment in heavyweight boxing history. Aside from the Fury‑Joshua narrative, fans can also look forward to other high‑stakes match‑ups, such as the upcoming bout between Chris Billam‑Smith and Ryan Rozicki, scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Saturday, June 6.
This broader context highlights a vibrant and busy year ahead for the sport, with multiple storylines converging on the world stage.