For years, it felt like a fight that would never quite happen. Talks came and went, dates were discussed, deals collapsed, and still Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury remained just out of reach. Now, though, things finally seem to be lining up. After all the delays and near misses, the two British heavyweights are on track to meet later in 2026.
There’s still a bit to get through before that point. Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he’ll face Kristian Prenga. It’s not being treated like a filler fight either. For Joshua, it’s a chance to build rhythm again and remind people what he can do when everything clicks. He’s had ups and downs over the past couple of years, so a strong showing here would go a long way heading into something much bigger.
Fury, meanwhile, has already had his outing. He fought in April and came through it comfortably, beating Arslanbek Makhmudov without too many problems. It wasn’t just about the win, it was about staying active and keeping sharp. After the fight, he did what he’s done many times before, calling for the Joshua bout again. The difference now is that it doesn’t feel like empty talk.
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury has been a long time coming
This is a matchup that probably should have happened years ago. Both fighters have held world titles, both have been at the top of the heavyweight division, and both have carried huge attention on their own. Yet somehow, timing and negotiations always got in the way. That’s what makes this latest development stand out. The fight is now being lined up for the final part of 2026, and for once, it feels real.
There’s a clear path being built. Fury has already done his part by stepping into the ring in April. Joshua will follow in July. If both come through those fights without any issues, there’s very little left to stop this from finally happening.
It’s also a genuinely interesting matchup, even beyond the hype. Joshua’s style is built around power and structure, while Fury tends to rely more on movement, size, and ring awareness. They’ve taken different routes to the top, but they’ve ended up in the same place. After all this time, it looks like the wait might actually be over.