Anthony Joshua targets Tyson Fury showdown in 2026
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is eyeing a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury next summer, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed that talks are progressing positively. Hearn revealed that discussions with Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and head of Riyadh Season, are centered on staging the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash. […]
Anthony Joshua drops a punch on Oleksandr Usyk
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is eyeing a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury next summer, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed that talks are progressing positively.
Hearn revealed that discussions with Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and head of Riyadh Season, are centered on staging the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash.
The Matchroom Boxing boss shared a photo alongside Alalshikh in Riyadh following extensive talks covering multiple sports, including boxing. Speaking to The Ring’s Louis Hart, Hearn confirmed that the Joshua–Fury fight was a top priority in their discussions.
“He wants to make AJ against Fury — that’s no secret,” Hearn said of Alalshikh. “He wants to make the biggest fights in the sport, and that is the biggest fight in boxing right now. We’ve got to agree our end and then it’s up to Turki whether he can get Fury in the ring.”
Hearn noted that the negotiation process has been simplified with Alalshikh’s involvement.
“The best thing about these situations now is that it’s not me speaking to Frank Warren or Spencer Brown or Tyson Fury trying to do a deal. We just have to do our deal, and if Turki can make the fight, then it’s on. If he can’t, it’s not on.”
The promoter also outlined Joshua’s roadmap back to the ring: “We are focusing on that side. We have a plan for AJ to get him back in the ring as soon as possible and then lead up to a huge fight against Tyson Fury in 2026. We will do our deal with Turki, and he will try to do his deal with Tyson Fury. Fingers crossed we can make it happen.”
Joshua, who last fought in September 2024, suffering a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, has since fallen out of The Ring’s heavyweight rankings due to inactivity.
Despite Fury, 37, repeatedly announcing his retirement, Hearn remains confident the Gypsy King could be lured back with the right offer. Meanwhile, Joshua — a two-time world heavyweight champion — is already in training camp, preparing for his long-awaited return to the ring.