After years of broken deals and public call-outs, Joshua has reportedly signed the contract but he must clear one final hurdle first.
The fight British boxing fans have been begging for is no longer just talk. Anthony Joshua has reportedly signed on the dotted line for a massive all-British heavyweight showdown against Tyson Fury, and if everything goes to plan, it will happen before the year is out.
For years, this fight seemed cursed endless negotiations, collapsed dates, and rival camps pointing fingers. But the dam has finally broken, and industry sources now confirm that terms have been agreed upon for what promises to be one of the biggest boxing events in modern British history.
What Sparked the Deal?
The moment that pushed things over the line came right after Fury's recent points victory over heavy-hitting contender Arslanbek Makhmudov. Still standing in the ring, the "Gypsy King" grabbed the microphone and issued a direct, very public challenge to Joshua who happened to be sitting ringside watching the whole thing unfold. It was a made-for-TV moment, and it worked. Reports quickly followed that Joshua's camp accepted and contracts were signed.
One Final Hurdle: Joshua vs. Prenga in Riyadh
Before AJ can step into the ring with Fury, he has a mandatory comeback fight to get through first. On July 25, 2026, Joshua faces Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (17–1) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Promoters have been clear: Joshua needs to win, and win convincingly, for the Fury mega-fight to stay on track.
This bout is Joshua's first professional appearance since his exhibition against Jake Paul last December and it carries far more weight than a typical tune-up fight. Shortly after the Paul fight, Joshua was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria that left him injured and heartbreakingly claimed the lives of two members of his team. His return to boxing is as much a personal journey as it is a sporting one.
Why This Fight Matters So Much
Joshua and Fury are the two biggest British heavyweights of their generation. Between them, they have held every major world heavyweight title. A fight between them answers the one question that has hung over British boxing for years: who is the best?
Fury has the slicker record and the bigger ring IQ. Joshua has the power and the hunger of someone with something to prove. On paper, it is a genuinely competitive fight and that is exactly why the public has wanted it for so long.
If Joshua comes through July cleanly against Prenga, the stage is set. Late 2026 could deliver the defining heavyweight bout of this era.
Key Dates to Know
- July 25, 2026 Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Late 2026 Joshua vs. Fury (venue and exact date TBC)
Stay tuned. This one is finally happening.