Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have officially agreed to face each other in a boxing match. The announcement was made by Saudi Arabian boxing chief Turki Alalsheikh on social media, with Joshua confirming the signing of a multi-fight deal. Alalsheikh expressed excitement for the upcoming match, stating, “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed.” Joshua is set to have a warm-up fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25.
Fury recently returned to the ring after a 16-month hiatus and won against Arslanbek Makhmudov. He disclosed that he had already signed the contract to fight Joshua, who did not engage in a face-off with him after the match. If Joshua emerges victorious in his upcoming fight without any injuries, the much-anticipated showdown with Fury is expected to take place in November, possibly at Wembley Stadium, and will be broadcast on Netflix.
Joshua’s return to the ring was delayed due to a serious car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the loss of two close friends. During this period, the 36-year-old has been training in Ukraine with champion Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk, who defeated Joshua in their previous matches, expressed confidence in Joshua’s abilities, predicting a win against Fury and future undisputed heavyweight champion status. Both fighters have had their share of personal challenges, with Fury emphasizing the unpredictable nature of heavyweight boxing and the need for mutual respect in the sport.
Despite Fury’s eagerness for the fight, he highlighted Joshua’s apparent hesitation to engage, reflecting on the long-awaited match that has been in the making for a decade. The uncertainty surrounding the bout’s actualization remains, with Fury expressing his desire for the fight to happen but acknowledging the unpredictability of the situation.