Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury is edging closer to reality, with early plans being drawn up for what promoter Eddie Hearn has described as “the biggest fight in the sport.”
After sitting out the entirety of 2025, Fury has signalled his intention to return to the ring next year, reigniting hopes of an all-British heavyweight showdown that boxing fans have craved for years.
Hearn, who promotes Joshua, has welcomed Fury’s expected comeback and confirmed that discussions have already begun to map out a route that could see the two finally meet in the summer of 2026.
“It’s exactly what everybody wanted to hear,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
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“The thing that AJ wants more than anything is to fight Tyson Fury. That is the biggest fight in the sport, without question.
“I’m hopeful it can happen. The only thing that comes close for AJ is winning the world heavyweight championship again, which is still a huge motivation for him.”
Joshua is expected to fight at least once — and possibly twice — before any potential showdown with Fury.
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Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury is edging closer to reality, with early plans being drawn up for what promoter Eddie Hearn has described as “the biggest fight in the sport
|PA
There remains a small chance he could step into the ring before the end of this year, with another bout pencilled in for early 2026, most likely in February.
“The plan is very important,” Hearn explained. “The most important thing is making sure AJ is 110 per cent confident and ready to beat Tyson Fury.
“We have to plan it properly so he’s in the best place possible, both mentally and physically, for what will be the biggest moment of his career.
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Anthony Joshua hasn't fought since losing to Daniel Dubois last September | PA“If he fights this year, that will just be a run-out — not against a top-15 opponent. He’ll either have two fights before Fury if that gets made, or just the one in February. We haven’t decided yet, but he’s keen to stay active.”
Fury, too, is expected to take a tune-up fight before any blockbuster meeting. However, history has shown that such bouts can be unpredictable.
His previous “warm-ups” against Otto Wallin and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou proved far more difficult than anticipated, both exposing moments of vulnerability.
Still, Hearn insists that both fighters should be given the chance to regain full sharpness before they meet.
“If he can’t win the tune-up, then he shouldn’t be getting in the ring with AJ,” Hearn continued.
“We want both guys firing on all cylinders to give the public the best version of them. If we can’t get that, maybe the fight shouldn’t happen yet.
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Tyson Fury has indicated he won't be fighting this year but could make a big boxing comeback in 2026
| REUTERS“What we don’t want is two fighters who’ve been inactive for over a year coming in rusty. These are elite athletes. When they face each other, it needs to be at their absolute best.”
A potential Fury-Joshua bout would be one of the most lucrative in boxing history and the most significant heavyweight contest ever staged between two British fighters.
For Joshua, it represents a shot at redemption after years of rebuilding his career following defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, Andy Ruiz Jr and Daniel Dubois.
For Fury, it would offer the chance to reclaim his place at the summit of the sport after more than a year on the sidelines.
Both fighters have repeatedly expressed a desire to settle their long-running rivalry once and for all.
Whether negotiations can finally align after several failed attempts remains to be seen, but the intent — at last — appears mutual.