Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: What to Expect from the Battle of Britain Heavyweight Showdown

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been shadowing each other for nearly ten years. Both are two-time heavyweight champions and remain some of the most prominent figures in British boxing today. At 36 and 37 respectively, they have each faced defeat twice against Oleksandr Usyk and appear to be nearing the later stages of their careers.

The heavyweight landscape is shifting rapidly as Usyk has vacated his belts. Currently, Daniel Dubois (WBO), Agit Kabayel (WBC), and Murat Gassiev (WBA) hold the major titles, while the IBF championship remains unclaimed. Despite this changing scene, fans expect these two stars to prioritize facing each other over chasing other belts.

Are Joshua and Fury Fighting Soon?

They are not clashing this week, but both will compete individually. Fury faces former title challenger Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, while Joshua headlines an event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia against Albanian knockout artist Kristian Prenga the following day.

Joshua’s opponent is a step below world-class level, but this marks Joshua's return after recovering from injuries suffered in a tragic car crash last December, which took the lives of two close friends and team members. The accident happened during a family trip in Nigeria following Joshua’s victory over Jake Paul in Miami.

Fury recently ended a brief retirement with a decisive points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Wembley in April, where he publicly challenged Joshua to a fight.

When Will the Joshua vs Fury Fight Happen?

If both men win their upcoming bouts as expected, they are scheduled to meet on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

• Date: December 11, 2026
• Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

The contracts have been signed with Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh involved in organizing the bout. There was a dispute about the venue, as Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insisted the fight happen in the UK, while Alalshikh and UFC’s Dana White hinted at a US location. Ultimately, the fight remains in Wales.

Fury has emphasized his top challenger status for the WBC belt held by Kabayel, giving him a clearer path to a title shot than Joshua currently has. Fury expressed skepticism that Joshua would engage with him in press events, questioning Joshua’s willingness to face intense media scrutiny.

“I can never see that stiff [Joshua] sitting on a table with me like that fella there [Wach]. What the f— is he going to say? I can never actually see him at a press conference with me. It will just be like… a bombardment. I can never see him taking that.” — Tyson Fury

Despite tensions, they agreed on the date and venue.

Have Joshua and Fury Fought Before?

No professional fight between them has ever taken place. Their history includes a notable amateur sparring session around 2010, which Fury recalls vividly.

“He gave me a beating. If I’d had a weak chin, I’d have been knocked out for a month,” Fury said in a BBC London interview. “He’s very, very good and he’s only young, 20. Watch out for that name Anthony Joshua - he is one prospect for the future. He came out at me for three rounds and he gave me a beating - I’m not going to deny it, he gave me hell for leather for three rounds.”

Years later, Fury modified the story, saying Joshua was pulled out after three rounds. Joshua’s amateur coach Sean Murphy confirmed in 2021 that Joshua got the better of Fury, even as Fury asked for a fourth round but was stopped by the coaching staff.

Joshua referenced this sparring when trading words with Fury after Fury's recent win. Joshua said, “I've never had no problem getting in a ring with you. I punched you up when we were kids and, after watching you tonight, I'll punch you up again.”