In a much-anticipated development for boxing fans worldwide, Anthony Joshua is set to face off against Tyson Fury after signing a deal for their highly awaited matchup, as confirmed by promoter Eddie Hearn. The announcement comes on the heels of Joshua’s first fight since a tragic incident last December.
Joshua, who has not stepped into the ring since a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two members of his team, will make his return to boxing on July 25. He is scheduled to fight Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as he aims to regain his footing in the sport.
Both Joshua and Fury, former two-time world heavyweight champions, have been at the forefront of British boxing for more than a decade. Despite extensive negotiations and speculation, a fight between the two titans had yet to come to fruition until now. Hearn took to social media to announce that the long-anticipated bout was “signed, sealed, and delivered.”
Reflecting on the significance of the fight, Joshua stated, “As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.” This sentiment echoes the ambitions both fighters hold, not only to reclaim titles but to solidify their legacies.
However, before facing Fury, the 36-year-old Joshua must first overcome Prenga, a relatively untested 35-year-old with an impressive record of 20 wins—each by stoppage—and a single loss. Joshua’s last appearance in the ring was against Jake Paul before the unfortunate car accident in Nigeria.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey,” Joshua remarked, hinting at his personal and professional growth over the past months.
While a date or venue for the Joshua vs. Fury showdown remains unconfirmed, Hearn has previously suggested that the fight could take place in November and may even be streamed on Netflix. This potential deal has generated additional excitement about the matchup.
In the lead-up to this announcement, Joshua witnessed Fury’s recent fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, where the latter won comfortably and subsequently called Joshua out. Although Fury was eager for a face-off, Joshua chose not to engage at that moment. After the bout, Team Fury confirmed they had signed their portion of the contract, awaiting Joshua’s agreement.
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off,” Joshua concluded, signaling his readiness to return to the ring.
