Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: What to Expect from the Battle of Britain Heavyweight Clash
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been linked in discussions for over ten years. Both men stand as two-time heavyweight champions and prominent figures in British sports today. At ages 36 and 37 respectively, they've each suffered two losses to Oleksandr Usyk and might be nearing the later stages of their careers.
As they prepare to compete this week amid changes in the heavyweight division, the spotlight remains firmly on them. With Usyk vacating his belts, titles are now held by Daniel Dubois (WBO), Agit Kabayel (WBC), Murat Gassiev (WBA), and the IBF belt is still available. Despite these shifts, fans expect these stars to prioritize a showdown between themselves rather than chasing other belts.
This Week's Fights: No Joshua vs Fury Yet
Neither Joshua nor Fury will face each other this week, though both have scheduled bouts. Fury fights veteran contender Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, while Joshua headlines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia against Kristian Prenga, known for his knockout power but with limited high-level experience.
Joshua is returning after recovering from injuries sustained in a tragic car accident last December that claimed the lives of close friends and team members Ina Ghami and Latif Ayodele during a family vacation in Nigeria. This bout marks his first since beating Jake Paul in Miami.
Fury, having recently ended retirement, earned a one-sided points victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Wembley in April, after which he publicly challenged Joshua.
When Will Joshua and Fury Meet?
Assuming both win their upcoming fights, a clash between Joshua and Fury is set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The bout was confirmed after both signed contracts facilitated by Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh, despite some negotiations over venue location.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn insisted the fight take place in the UK, while Alalshikh and UFC’s Dana White hinted at a US venue, due to their promotional ties. Ultimately, the fight will remain in Wales.
Fury has emphasized his position as the WBC's top challenger to Kabayel, giving him a clearer title path compared to Joshua. During press events, Fury expressed skepticism about Joshua's willingness to engage fully in media confrontations before the fight.
"I can never see that stiff [Joshua] sitting on a table with me like that fella there [Wach]. What the f— is he going to say? I can never actually see him at a press conference with me. It will just be like… a bombardment." – Tyson Fury
Despite this tension, the match date was agreed upon.
Have Joshua and Fury Ever Fought Before?
Joshua and Fury have never met professionally. Their history goes back to a sparring session in 2010 when both were amateurs. Fury praised Joshua's skills then, recalling how the younger fighter dominated the rounds.
"If I’d had a weak chin, I’d have been knocked out for a month," Fury said. "He’s very, very good and only 20. Watch out for that name Anthony Joshua - he is one prospect for the future."
Over the years, Fury has altered details about the spar, recently saying Joshua was pulled out after three rounds. Joshua's amateur coach Sean Murphy supported this version, explaining that Fury wanted a fourth round but was stopped by the coach.
"Josh got the better of him in the third round," Murphy recalled. "But Fury demanded a fourth, and we pulled Joshua out."
Joshua referenced the sparring session when exchanging words with Fury after Fury's win over Makhmudov:
"I've never had no problem getting in a ring with you. I punched you up when we were kids and, after watching you tonight, I'll punch you up again." – Anthony Joshua
