Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have been trading barbs recently, and the growing tension has reignited speculation about whether their long‑awaited showdown will ever materialise this year. Both fighters are set to step back into the ring in the coming days – Fury will face Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand on Friday, while Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Their respective bouts are being billed as warm‑up fights ahead of a possible mega‑event that fans have been hoping to see in November, though no official date or venue has been confirmed. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News presenter Dev Sahni, Fury made it clear that he is not obsessing over Joshua and that his focus remains on his own upcoming fight.
"Let's not make this about some silly Mr Bodybuilder," Fury said, using a string of expletives to underline his indifference. "I'm not interested in him or his mates or anybody else. I don't give a damn about him. If I see him again, great – if I don't, fine." He went on to dismiss any expectation that he would be forced into a bout with Joshua, stating that he is prepared to fight whoever the promoters line up.
"We've got five months left in the year, so I want to get this fella Wach boxed, do well, and do what I can," Fury explained. He added that he feels in peak condition, claiming he could defeat most heavyweights "with one hand" and that he is "injury‑free, in good shape and ready to rock and roll." The British heavyweight made it clear that if a fight with Joshua does happen, he will be ready, but if not, he will simply move on to another opponent. Joshua responded in kind, mocking Fury with the nickname "Mr Greedy Belly" and vowing to fulfil his own side of the bargain by defeating Prenga on Saturday.
"He's always been talking about my body for years," Joshua said. "If he wants to know what it takes to get a six‑pack, I’ll give him a set of abs.
He’s obsessed with my abs, so let’s see if he can earn a glimpse of them in the ring." The former champion also hinted at logistical considerations for a potential Wembley clash, suggesting that the stadium might need to extend its curfew to accommodate a later start time for a global TV audience. "A quick party in central London, then straight to the fight night at Wembley – that would be unbelievable," he said, indicating his willingness to adjust the schedule if it helps make the bout happen. Fury's fight with Wach is set to start around 4 p.m.
UK time in front of a modest crowd of about 1,500 spectators in the Thai resort city. Meanwhile, Joshua will fight Prenga on Saturday night in Jeddah, a match that will serve as his own preparation for any future clash with Fury. Joshua was present at Fury’s April victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, but Fury has made it clear he will not travel to Saudi Arabia for a potential face‑to‑face bout. When asked whether a fight with Joshua in Saudi Arabia would send a signal that their long‑rumoured showdown is imminent, Fury replied, "You can send out as many signals as you want.
You've been told for ten years it's happening. It hasn't happened, has it? So don't hold your breath.
I've always had my doubts. If it happens, good.
If it doesn't, also good." Mariusz Wach, the 46‑year‑old Polish veteran, was a heavyweight world champion back in 2012 but has since compiled a mixed record, losing eight of his last twelve fights. Despite his recent struggles, Wach remains a dangerous opponent with over two decades of experience, and Fury acknowledged that he will not underestimate him.
"He's a tough man, a veteran, and he's been around the game for 20‑plus years. Anything can happen. I’ve been training for ten weeks, leaving no stone unturned. I’m in great shape and fit as a fiddle," Fury said, emphasizing his readiness for the challenge.
The ongoing war of words between the two British heavyweights has added a fresh layer of intrigue to an already crowded boxing calendar. With both fighters set to compete in different parts of the world within 24 hours, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the much‑talked‑about clash can move from speculation to reality.
If either fighter secures a decisive victory in their upcoming bouts, it could accelerate negotiations and push promoters to lock in a date, venue and broadcast deal for a potential November showdown. Even if the fight does not materialise this year, the rivalry has already generated significant media coverage, social media buzz and fan interest, keeping the heavyweight division in the spotlight. Both Fury and Joshua have expressed a desire to prove themselves against the other, yet each also insists they have other options should the negotiations stall.
As the calendar ticks down, the boxing world will be watching closely to see whether the two giants finally meet in the ring, or whether they continue to circle each other, each waiting for the other to make the first decisive move.