In a bold declaration that has boxing fans buzzing, Anthony Joshua has officially called out Tyson Fury to finally settle their long-anticipated rivalry with a fight slated for next year. This announcement follows Joshua's stunning sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on Friday night, marking his emphatic return to the ring after an 18-month hiatus.
At 36 years old, Joshua seems eager to reclaim his place among the boxing elite and has his sights set on the bout that many have been eagerly awaiting for years. In a twist, Fury, who is 37, had previously boasted about placing a £1 million wager on Paul to defeat Joshua, frequently taking jabs at his fellow heavyweight champion leading up to the Miami showdown.
Interestingly, although Joshua had downplayed Fury's significance before the fight, stating that Fury was 'not even on my radar,' he has now publicly expressed his desire to enter the ring with him in 2026. According to reports from Daily Mail Sport, there are plans in place for this highly anticipated clash to take place during the Riyadh Season, orchestrated by Saudi promoter Tukri Alalshikh.
"We shook off the cobwebs and I can't wait to roll into 2026," Joshua stated enthusiastically. "If Tyson Fury is as serious as he claims to be, and wants to put down his Twitter fingers and step into the ring with one of the toughest fighters out there, then let's make it happen. If you’re a genuine contender, stop the trash talk—let's see who can communicate with their fists in the ring."
Despite being favored to dominate Paul, Joshua faced a tough challenge, needing until the sixth round to break through Paul's defensive tactics and land the decisive knockout punch.
Looking ahead, both Joshua and Fury are expected to participate in separate bouts in the early months of 2026, paving the way for their eventual face-off later in the year, should everything proceed smoothly.
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, conveyed a strong message following the match: "We are aiming for the Tyson Fury fight. It’s the biggest fight in boxing right now. Full credit to Jake Paul for his performance. But come 2026, we’re back to serious business—Tyson Fury and the world heavyweight championship are on the line."
As it stands, Joshua boasts an impressive record of 29 wins against four defeats, while Fury has a notable record of 34 wins, two losses, and one draw. The knockout statistics reveal Joshua with 26 knockouts compared to Fury's 24.
This matchup could redefine the sport—do you think Joshua will be able to secure a victory over Fury? Or will Fury find a way to maintain his dominance in the ring? Share your thoughts below!
