Anthony Joshua could snub Tyson Fury fight for another big bout

Ed Griffiths
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:37:08 +0000

Anthony Joshua may turn down Tyson Fury's lucrative challenge and instead opt for an alternative opponent when he returns to boxing.

The 36-year-old former Olympic champion has yet to commit to facing Fury following a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Fury issued his challenge to Joshua after securing a points victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday evening.

However, promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua could pursue a bout with another high-profile fighter before potentially meeting the Gypsy King.

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Joshua is currently awaiting medical approval to resume full training following the tragic incident.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn addressed the contract situation: "I don't know if Fury has signed or not, that is his business. If he has then that is great."

The promoter confirmed his team received the paperwork last week and are currently reviewing it.

Hearn explained: "Obviously there has been a lot happening in AJ's life and we want to make sure that he is ready to return to the ring."

He added: "He is about to get the all clear in terms of the physical side to return to full training and that is great news.

"We expect to see him back in the ring in July. The original plan was to fight in March, then to fight Tyson Fury in August.

"Given everything that has happened, that has been delayed. July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward."

Positive news emerged regarding Joshua's physical condition, with Hearn revealing he is close to receiving clearance to resume intensive training.

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The promoter anticipates a July ring return, with November presented as a secondary option.

Initial plans had targeted a March bout followed by an August clash with Fury, but recent events necessitated a revised schedule.

Fury, 37, maintains he has completed his side of the agreement.

Fury said: "He’s just come off of a win, he broke a man’s jaw. And I’ve just come off of a win. Let’s get it on, let’s fight, we’re the same age. What’s the hold up? This fight was supposed to happen years ago. Now is the time to do it, it’s still the biggest fight in boxing.

"I have signed my contract, it’s done. I signed months ago. I was surprised he didn’t get in the ring [after the fight with Makhmudov]. He was brought here to ringside for a reason, to do a face-off and get the fight done. He hasn’t signed but I cannot do anymore."

Joshua has been preparing alongside former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as he readies himself for a potential showdown with Fury.

Both British heavyweights enter negotiations on the back of victories, with Joshua having broken an opponent's jaw in his most recent outing.

"He's just come off of a win, he broke a man's jaw. And I've just come off of a win," Fury noted when making his case for the bout.

The pair, separated by just a year in age, have seen this matchup evade them on multiple occasions despite years of speculation.

Fury came out of retirement last weekend to defeat Makhmudov on points, reigniting calls for the all-British superfight.