Anthony Joshua agrees deal to fight Tyson Fury
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that he and Anthony Joshua have reached a deal for Joshua to face Tyson Fury; however, the Gypsy King has yet to sign on for the much-anticipated bout, presenting a significant hurdle for fans eager for the fight, reports BritPanorama.
Speculation surrounding a showdown between Joshua and Fury has persisted for years, with eager anticipation among boxing aficionados. Fury’s retirement earlier this year, following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, had seemed to quash hopes for an all-British clash.
Fast-forward to now, discussions regarding a potential match-up have resurfaced. Although Joshua’s next outing is set to be against Jake Paul in December, this would mark his first bout since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Hearn disclosed that they have secured an agreement with Saudi promoter Turki Al-Sheikh for Joshua to face Fury next year, contingent on Fury’s agreement to the terms.
“Everything is run in that respect by Turki Al-Sheikh, who wants to make that fight,” Hearn stated. “He hasn’t failed yet. We’ve agreed our deal to fight Tyson Fury, but obviously, Tyson has to agree a deal; otherwise, there is no deal.” Hearn remains cautious but optimistic, noting, “We’ll be ready for all eventualities.”
Earlier this week, the boxing community was taken aback by news of Joshua’s potential clash with Paul. Hearn elaborated on the negotiations, indicating that while details are yet to be ironed out, the significant financial incentive could lead to a fight that raises Joshua’s profile following recent defeats.
“There’s lots of hurdles to overcome, namely whether Jake Paul really wants this fight,” he acknowledged. “The amount of money involved, if you’re Anthony Joshua, who has plans in 2026 of a fight in February and then a fight with Tyson Fury, then why not take the opportunity to have a near career-high payday for a nice little run out in December?”
Hearn emphasized that should the fight with Paul materialize, Joshua would have a clear advantage, asserting, “AJ flattens him.” With plans for a major showdown potentially taking shape, the boxing world remains attentive as developments unfold.
The promise of high-profile clashes in the coming year suggests an intriguing path ahead in the heavyweight division, underscoring how even legends must navigate the complexities of modern boxing politics and fan expectations.
