BY Issah Olegor
British heavyweight boxing is on the brink of its most anticipated showdown in years after Anthony Joshua signed a deal to face long-time rival Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
The agreement brings renewed hope that a fight which has eluded fans for over a decade will finally take place.
The announcement marks a significant breakthrough after years of failed negotiations, delays, and near-misses between the two heavyweight stars, both of whom have held world titles multiple times and dominated British boxing on the global stage.
Hearn described the deal as “signed, sealed and delivered,” signaling that only final logistical details — including date and venue — remain before the bout is officially confirmed.
Comeback Fight First For Joshua
Before stepping into the ring with Fury, Joshua is scheduled to return to action against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The bout will mark Joshua’s first fight since a difficult period that has kept him out of the ring, including his involvement in a fatal car accident in December that tragically claimed the lives of two members of his team during a visit to Nigeria.
Joshua, now 36, acknowledged the time away from the sport, describing it as necessary for recovery and preparation.
He expressed readiness to resume his career, stating that the upcoming fight represents an important step toward regaining momentum. His opponent, Prenga, enters the contest with a record of 20 wins — all by stoppage — and one defeat, making him a relatively unknown but potentially dangerous challenger.
A Long-Awaited Rivalry
The potential clash between Joshua and Fury has been one of boxing’s most talked-about matchups, with both fighters at different times holding multiple heavyweight belts.
Despite repeated negotiations in the past, the fight has never materialized — often falling apart at advanced stages due to contractual disputes or scheduling conflicts.
Fury, 37, recently returned to the ring with a convincing win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and used the occasion to publicly call out Joshua.
While Joshua declined to engage immediately, developments behind the scenes have now brought the two sides to an agreement. Fury’s camp had earlier indicated they had signed their portion of the contract, awaiting Joshua’s confirmation — a step that has now reportedly been completed.
Possible Global Showcase
Although no official date or venue has been confirmed, there are strong indications the bout could take place in November, with speculation suggesting it may be broadcast on a major streaming platform.
If finalized, the fight is expected to generate massive global interest, given the commercial appeal and rivalry between the two fighters.
Icons Of British Boxing
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have defined an era of heavyweight boxing, carrying British boxing to global prominence for more than a decade. Joshua rose to fame after winning Olympic gold in 2012 before becoming a unified world champion, while Fury famously dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and later cemented his legacy with victories over Deontay Wilder.
Despite their individual achievements, the absence of a direct clash between the two has remained a glaring omission in modern boxing history — one that fans and analysts have long demanded to see resolved.
