Anthony Joshua signs deal to fight Tyson Fury later this year in Britain’s biggest fight of a generation
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. In one of the most anticipated announcements in modern boxing, Anthony Joshua is officially set to face Tyson Fury in a mega-fight scheduled for the final quarter of 2026. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the deal via social media, declaring the bout “signed, sealed, delivered,” while The Ring, under the leadership of Turki Alalshikh, also verified the timeline for the showdown.
Joshua’s Comeback Path Begins in Riyadh
Before the long-awaited clash with Fury, Joshua will return to the ring against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 30, 2026. This fight marks his first appearance since defeating Jake Paul in December 2025.
Joshua’s return comes after a difficult period outside the ring. Shortly after his last fight, he was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his team. The incident forced the former champion to step away temporarily as he focused on recovery and rebuilding. Speaking about his return, Joshua emphasized his determination to reclaim his position at the top of the division, stating he is ready to “pick up where I left off.”
Fury Pushes for the Fight
The momentum for the bout accelerated after Fury’s recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Following that win, Fury publicly called out Joshua, challenging him directly from the ring. The two British heavyweights have long been on a collision course, but negotiations had repeatedly fallen through in previous years. Now, with both fighters aligned under major promotional backing, the fight is finally set to happen.
Prenga Aims to Shock the World
Despite the focus on Joshua vs Fury, Prenga remains a serious obstacle. The 35-year-old enters the bout with an undefeated knockout streak in his victories and believes he is being underestimated. Prenga has openly stated his intention to disrupt Joshua’s plans, framing the fight as a life-changing opportunity that could reshape the heavyweight landscape.
Joshua’s Legacy at Stake
Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012, rose to global prominence by defeating legends such as Wladimir Klitschko and securing wins over Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz Jr..
He became a two-time unified heavyweight champion, holding multiple world titles before suffering setbacks against Oleksandr Usyk and later Daniel Dubois. Recent victories over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou helped rebuild his profile, but questions about his long-term future persisted.
A Defining Era for Heavyweight Boxing
If both fighters come through their interim bouts, Joshua vs Fury will stand as one of the biggest heavyweight fights of the decade. With national pride, legacy, and global titles potentially on the line, the matchup promises to deliver a defining moment in boxing history. For now, all eyes turn to Riyadh this July, where Joshua must first overcome a dangerous challenger before stepping into the ring for the fight fans have been demanding for years.
