Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are in talks for a fight this year. It’s the matchup fans have been clamoring for—two giants of the ring, both past their prime but still brimming with legacy to fight for.
Fury, who returned to boxing after a 16-month break, recently secured a decision win against Arslanbek Makhmudov. Meanwhile, Joshua is eyeing a warm-up bout before stepping into the ring with Fury. His last outing was against Jake Paul in December 2025, where he sought to reclaim his footing after losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
David Haye, a former champion himself, believes this fight is crucial for both fighters’ legacies. “That’s the biggest fight they could both possibly have,” he said. “They should be pushing it, they should be pressing it—they have to be.” Yet, there’s pressure mounting on Joshua as Dillian Whyte criticized him for hesitating to accept Fury’s challenge.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has reportedly received a contract for the Fury fight. But before that happens, Joshua is expected to face Makhmudov—a formidable opponent standing at nearly 6’6”, just three inches shorter than Fury. This warm-up is slated for November 2026.
“AJ should have said yeah,” Whyte remarked about Joshua’s reluctance. “He just said I’m the boss, I’m the landlord… Just take the fight and shut up.” The sentiment echoes throughout the boxing community—fans want action, not hesitation.
As history shows, both Joshua and Fury lost their world titles to Oleksandr Usyk. Their careers have taken unexpected turns since then; now they find themselves at a crossroads. The stakes are high—this isn’t just about belts anymore; it’s about pride and legacy.
Still, there’s uncertainty lingering around these plans. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timelines and conditions of their potential clash. What’s clear is that anticipation is building.
In an intriguing twist, Makhmudov reached out directly to Joshua: “Hey Joshua, what’s up man? I heard about you looking for an opportunity to fight in November in Riyadh.” This adds another layer of complexity to an already charged atmosphere.
The heavyweight division is buzzing again—old rivalries reignited and new challengers emerging. Fans can only hope that this time around, they won’t be left waiting too long for what promises to be a monumental showdown between two of boxing’s biggest names.
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