Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury: What to Know About the Proposed Battle of Britain Heavyweight Bout

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been on the verge of a clash for nearly ten years. Both are two-time heavyweight champions and standout figures in British sport today. Now aged 36 and 37 respectively, they share a similar career arc, each having suffered two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, suggesting their prime years may be behind them.

As they prepare to return to the ring this week, the heavyweight division is undergoing changes. Usyk has vacated his belts, leaving Daniel Dubois (WBO), Agit Kabayel (WBC), and Murat Gassiev (WBA) holding major titles, with the IBF championship still open. Despite the shifting landscape, fans are eager to see Joshua and Fury face off rather than chase vacant belts.

Are Joshua and Fury Fighting This Week?

No, they are not meeting in the ring this week, although both will compete separately. Fury fights veteran challenger Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, a 10-round bout. Meanwhile, Joshua headlines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 25 against Kristian Prenga, an Albanian known for knockouts but with limited experience against top fighters.

This will mark Joshua’s first fight since a tragic car accident last December that took the lives of his team members Ina Ghami and Latif Ayodele during a trip to Nigeria, where Joshua has family ties. His last victory was against Jake Paul in Miami.

Fury recently ended a brief retirement with a points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Wembley in April, after which he publicly challenged Joshua.

When Could Joshua and Fury Finally Fight?

Their long-awaited showdown is scheduled for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, provided both win their upcoming bouts, as any loss would be a major upset. Both fighters have signed contracts facilitated by Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh.

Promoter Eddie Hearn ensured the fight stays in the UK, despite Alalshikh’s connections to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, which has hinted at staging the fight in the US. Ultimately, the event will be held in Wales.

Fury, currently the WBC's No. 1 challenger to Agit Kabayel, sees a clearer path to a title than Joshua. During media duties for his Wach fight, Fury expressed skepticism about Joshua’s willingness to engage in press conferences or confrontations before the fight, calling him "stiff" and doubting his ability to handle the buildup.

Have Joshua and Fury Fought Before?

They have never faced each other professionally. However, a sparring session from 2010 has fueled much speculation. Fury praised the young amateur Joshua back then, admitting Joshua dominated their spar, saying he "gave me a beating" and warning others to watch out for him.

Years later, Fury has softened his account, suggesting Joshua was pulled out after three rounds. Joshua’s amateur coach Sean Murphy confirmed the sparring details in 2021, describing how Joshua landed strong shots that left Fury wobbly, though Fury wanted to continue. Murphy eventually pulled Joshua out to protect him.

Joshua referenced that spar when trading verbal jabs after Fury’s latest win, confidently stating, "I punched you up when we were kids and, after watching you tonight, I'll punch you up again."