The long-awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is closer than ever after years of failed attempts. Negotiations have now reached the final stages, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed on IFL TV that both sides are working out the final details of a two-fight agreement.
The deal will see Anthony Joshua return to the ring in July and face Tyson Fury later in the year. This update marks a major change after more than a decade of missed opportunities. The contracts have not yet been signed, but the structure of the deal is now clear. For fans, a Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is no longer a distant dream. Now it's close to being official.
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plans take shape
The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plan involves two fights under one agreement. Hearn confirmed that Joshua will take part in a warm-up fight in July before facing Fury, with November expected to be the target date for the main event.
“We will have a contract, and we haven't signed a contract yet, but we are negotiating the final points in an agreement to get back in the ring in July and [then] “Fight Tyson Fury.”
The timeline follows the recent activity of both fighters. Fury returned on 11 April after a 16-month absence, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in Manchester. After the win, Fury called out Joshua.
Joshua has been active. He stopped Jake Paul shortly before a personal tragedy in Nigeria in December. Despite that condition, he quickly returned to training and has been preparing for his next fight ever since.
Hearn also talked about the risks surrounding the July fight. "The good news is: If we take a [warm-up] Fight like this, we've signed on to fight Tyson Fury, and all you have to do is bite your nails for 36 minutes or less in July, and you'll get the fight, if not the fight of the century - of all time.
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight backed by Saudi deal
The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is expected to be funded by Saudi boxing consultant Turki Alalshikh. Once the agreement is signed, control of the event will pass to Saudi organisers.
"Once we sign up for that deal, it is handed over to Saudi consultant Turki Alalshaikh for staging. We will promote for July; I think the November fight or whatever, will be promoted by the Saudi company Cela."
“AJ and I, Tyson Fury, we will have a contract [Alalshikh] Basically financing the fight. It depends on where he is.”
There is still hope that the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight could take place in the United Kingdom. Hearn said the goal was to present a major event to the fans and suggested the venue would match the scale of the fight.
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight affected by Usyk talks
The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight has also been shaped with input from Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn confirmed that Usyk was involved in discussions regarding Joshua's next steps.
"I'm sure he won't mind me saying that, [a lot of this has come from Oleksandr Usyk]. He was part of these conversations, and the conversations were exactly like this: 'He's fighting back.'"
Usyk's role helped define the plan for Joshua to take the fight in July before facing Fury. The timing also falls in line with Fury's recent return and the current activity in the division.
Fury has not fought regularly in recent years and has talked about retirement. Meanwhile, Joshua continues to train and prepare for a comeback that could lead directly to the biggest fight of his career.
The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is unsigned, but negotiations are now in the final stages. If the contracts have been completed, the schedule is already in place. July will see Joshua's return and November could finally deliver the heavyweight bout that has been talked about for years.
