For the longest time, it felt like Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury was the fight that would always stay in the “what if” category. Talks kept happening, dates were floated, then something would fall apart again. And still, the fight never quite got over the line. Now though, there’s a different feeling around it. After all the delays and false starts, the two finally seem to be heading toward a meeting in late 2026.
There’s still a bit to play out before that becomes reality. Anthony Joshua is due back in the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he faces Kristian Prenga. It’s not being looked at as just another fight. For Joshua, it’s about getting back into a rhythm and putting together a performance that builds some momentum. He’s had mixed results over the past couple of years, so this is a chance to steady things before something much bigger comes along.
Tyson Fury has already had his outing earlier in the year. He fought in April and handled Arslanbek Makhmudov without too much trouble. It did what it needed to do, kept him active and sharp. Afterward, he once again mentioned Joshua, something he’s done more than once over the years. The difference now is that it doesn’t just sound like noise.
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury IS ON! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OvpXrnHgIU
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 27, 2026
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury has been a long time coming
This is one of those matchups that feels like it belongs in the past, not the future. Both have been world champions, both have sat at the top of the heavyweight division, and both have carried huge attention around the sport. Still, the timing never quite lined up. Deals stalled, priorities shifted, and it just never happened. That’s why this moment feels different. The fight is being lined up for the closing part of 2026, and for once, it actually feels close.
The path from here is pretty straightforward. Fury has already done his part by fighting in April. Anthony Joshua will do the same in July. If neither runs into problems, there’s very little left to hold things back.
It’s also a fight that works on more than just hype. Anthony Joshua tends to rely on power and structure, while Fury leans on movement, size, and awareness in the ring. Two very different approaches, but both effective in their own way. After all this time, it finally looks like they’re heading toward the same night
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