TYSON FURY VS. ANTHONY JOSHUA | FIRST INTENSE FACE-OFF

 

TYSON FURY BEGINS DRUG TESTING HOURS BEFORE ANTHONY JOSHUAFACE-OFF

Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn were concerned that Tyson Fury had not been tested ahead of their press conference this evening

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury was drug tested this morning ahead of his face-off with Anthony Joshua - removing one of the last remaining hurdles to their British super-fight.

Fury and Joshua will face the media this evening for the first time since their fight was officially announced for December 11 in Cardiff. They will then face off officially for the first time in their decade-long rivalry. But despite last week's announcement, there were fears today's event would not take place.

Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn were adamant Fury should have been drug-tested by VADA seamlessly since his win over Arslanbek Makhmudov. But Fury's team believed he only had to start when his fight with British rival Joshua was announced. Fury enrolled in testing in time for both men to make their way to London from their training camps - and Mirror Fighting understands Fury was woken in his hotel this morning to be tested.

This evening's press conference will also go ahead without UFC chief Dana White whose involvement in the fight had caused problems with Hearn and Joshua. White is the frontman for his Zuffa Boxing promotion and Saudi ringmaster Turki Alalshikh wants him to promote the fight.

But Joshua's contract forbids his involvement and he will at least be absent today. "I would have been there if I didn't have The Contender series," he said. Asked why there is confusion over his involvement, White said: "There's no confusion whatsoever. If you look at everything from the network to the guy who's actually f***ing paying for it, and to me saying what I've said. I mean, I've been saying it now, feels like for f***ing years, but it's probably been weeks, but I've been saying the same thing.

"Everything that I've been saying is the truth, and why would I say it and double down, and triple down, and f***ing quadruple down if it wasn't the case? This isn't a hesitation; this is an ego thing; a total ego thing. Boxing has taken a hit in the United States. It's not as big as it was here 20 years ago. It has become a very British sport, and all the s*** you're hearing, and the crying, and the bitching is all coming from the UK."

- Martin Domin

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS TYSON FURY ROW RESOLVED AFTER FIGHT PLUNGED INTO DOUBT

Joshua and Fury are due to meet in London on Wednesday to face the media for the first time since their heavyweight showdown was announced last week

Getty

Anthony Joshua will face off with Tyson Fury tomorrow after Fury enrolled in drug testing.

Joshua and Fury are due to meet in London on Wednesday to face the media for the first time since their heavyweight showdown was announced last week. But a bitter row between Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn and UFC boss Dana White had plunged the fight - set for Cardiff on December 11 - into doubt.

White, who also runs Zuffa Boxing was officially named as a promoter alongside The Ring, which is owned by Saudi Arabian powerbroker Turki Alalshikh. Fury claimed on Saturday that Hearn and Joshua were trying to pull out and, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fury put the chances of a fight going ahead at one per cent.

He said: “If you’ve got a guy that wants to fight, and you’ve got a guy that doesn’t want to fight, then how are you going to make that fight happen?” Speaking to Sky Sports after Johnny Fisher’s victory at the Copper Box on Saturday, White refused to back down. “I’m involved in the fight,” he said.

“If Eddie Hearn really cared about this fight, first of all it would have happened a long time ago, number one. Number two, he could finance the thing himself. The guy who’s supposed to be helping the fight has been hurting the fight the entire time. We’ll all know more in the next three or four days.”

Hearn and Joshua also had concerns over when Fury was going to enrol in drug testing with VADA. Joshua's contract stated Fury would do so seamlessly after his win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, but Fury's team insisted they would enrol when their fight with Joshua was finalised.

And Fury finally did so on Monday night as both fighters headed to London from their training camps. Fury has been preparing in Miami while Joshua has been training in Dubai. UFC boss White is not expected to be at the press conference having struggled to answer basic questions about the fight last weekend.

- Martin Domin

TYSON FURY VS. ANTHONY JOSHUA | TALE OF THE TAPE

 

TEOFIMO LOPEZ CALLED OUT FOR FIGHT ON TYSON FURY VS ANTHONY JOSHUA UNDERCARD AFTER ORDER

Jack Catterall has suggested Teofimo Lopez should fulfil his mandatory defence in a fight on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua card.

Lopez picked up the WBA welterweight title with victory over Rolly Romero in August.

Everyone is eyeing a place on the Fury vs Joshua bill, and Catterall is no differentCredit: Getty

Lopez would be a blockbuster addition, but he has yet to make it clear if he is willing to defend his belt against CatterallCredit: Getty

And he has now been ordered to defend the belt against Catterall, despite suggestions that 'The Takeover' will look to unify with Ryan Garcia in 2027.

Catterall is staying firm on his decision to fight for the title and has demanded Lopez takes the fight or vacates the belt.

Lopez vs Catterall on Fury AJ bill makes sense

And he decided to make a call for the fight on social media, suggesting it would make sense on the Fury vs Joshua bill.

On the latest episode of talkBOXING, he reiterated his call, and believes it would be a perfect platform.

But he also suggested that he'd happily take the bout to the US.

He said: "Of course it would make perfect sense to fight on the Fury vs Joshua card.

"That would be great for me to fight on that bill, but it is if Teo fancies the trip over here.

"It could warrant having its own card in America, but yeah it'd be nice.

"I would be open to doing that as well [boxing on Fury vs AJ bill for vacant title]."

If Catterall cannot secure the bout and Lopez goes elsewhere, he will likely inherit the title.

Talks have already reportedly opened for Garcia and Lopez's clash, which could land as early as February.

Who else could be on the Fury vs AJ undercard?

There will likely be further American interest on the bill.

Boxing manager Keith Connolly has suggested that two high-profile US stars will likely feature on the bill.

Many have speculated and believe that the blockbuster battle of the unbeaten between Keyshawn Davis and Richardson Hitchins is imminent for the bill.

A whole host of top talent are competing to earn their place on the bill.

Fury vs Joshua is a massive event, and given it is on track to start at US time in Cardiff, the chance to stack it with American fighters may grow.

- Ben Davies

ANTHONY JOSHUA SHARES PRIVATE EMAIL FROM DOPING AGRNCY ASKING FOR TYSON FURY'S WHEREABOUTS

Anthony Joshua shared the email communication to his Snapchat story earlier this morning.

Anthony Joshua has shared a private email communication from VADA to his Snapchat story, in which the doping association’s President sought details regarding Tyson Fury’s whereabouts.

The shared email arrived after Fury uploaded a post-training session video to Instagram on Monday, captioned: “Coming for you AJ, if you ever grow a pair and fight.”

Joshua shared the VADA email to his public Snapchat story on Tuesday morning, with the doping association’s President seeking enrollment from the Gypsy King, and his whereabouts form.

Anthony Joshua shares VADA President email concerning Tyson Fury’s whereabouts

VADA, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, did not suggest Fury had failed a doping test. Instead, the association’s President simply asked: “Is Mr. Fury going to enroll?”

“Typically, we enroll opponents at the same time,” continued the email. “We also need the whereabouts form to enroll either fighter.”

Joshua captioned the email screenshot: “I’m not accusing [Tyson Fury] of anything,” ahead of their slated December 11 bout. The fight’s date, venue and time are yet to be confirmed.

By completing a whereabouts form, VADA would be able to locate an athlete, in this case, Fury, to complete an unannounced, out-of-competition sample collection.

The form would likely ask for Fury’s home addresses, training locations, any pre-existing travel arrangements, and availability windows.

However, as Joshua’s shared email communication implies, Fury has not provided VADA with such information, ahead of the pair’s long-awaited clash.

The Gypsy King is yet to respond publicly to Joshua’s post, and there remains no indication that Fury has failed, or declined to participate in a VADA testing.

Ahead of their battle, tentatively set to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Eddie Hearn previously raised questions regarding Fury’s testing timeline.

Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing’s division and ‘AJ’ promoter, revealed that Fury’s contract appeared to lack the testing obligation contained in Joshua’s agreement.

As a result, Fury, unlike his British opponent, might not be contractually required to enrol with VADA at the same stage as Joshua.

Hearn also revealed that he believes the Gypsy King is “fearful” of Joshua, claiming: “He’s afraid to lose. I think he knows the physical presence of Joshua, as well.

“It will be a real handful for him. And any advantage he can get, he’s going to try and get, [because] that’s what he’s like,” concluded the Matchroom Boxing promoter.

Tyson Fury hits out at 'poppadom chin' Anthony Joshua via Instagram

After seemingly endless back-and-forths between Fury and Joshua’s camps, amid perpetual disagreement regarding the Netflix event’s venue, the Gypsy King broke his short-lived silence on Monday.

“Just finished a brutal session in the gym here,” began Fury. “Training like a Trojan warrior. It’s alright, Joshua, I know you’re afraid. But I won’t hurt you, I’ll make it quick.

“I’ll make it a quick KO, so you can get back to your business of being a landlord. I’ll make it very fast, and I’ll make it pain-free for you and your team, and Eddie [Hearn].

“I promise not to hurt [you] too bad. It’ll be swift… You’ll know who the spartan is. If he ever gets the guts, because, at the minute, I hear he’s yellow.

“He’s running around yellow, like a little coward. That’s what he is. White flag, where are you, white flag? You big, useless dosser. Paper chin, poppadom chin. Silly, useless piece of s***,” concluded Fury.

As it stands, the two Englishmen are set to face in Cardiff, after weeks of venue confusion. Joshua’s camp held to the UK-based provision in his fight contract, while New York was briefly suggested by Netflix.

Their bout is slated to take place on Friday, December 11, however, this match-up remains anything but straightforward.

- Kedar Bayley

FURY-JOSHUA HEADS TO NEW YORK AS WHITE AND HEARN CLASH PUBLICLY

 

Key points:

• Dana White gave his strongest signal yet that Fury vs Joshua lands at Madison Square Garden on November 20

• White launched a heated public attack on Eddie Hearn after being told Hearn still wants the fight in the UK

• Hearn has argued Joshua’s contract requires a UK venue and has discussed possible legal action

• Joshua’s approval is still technically required before the venue becomes official

The months-long tug-of-war over where Anthony Joshua finally fights Tyson Fury boiled into open conflict this week, with Dana White all but confirming a New York venue before turning his frustration directly on Eddie Hearn.

Told the fight had been agreed for Friday, November 20, White responded with a knowing “Interesting.” Pressed on Madison Square Garden specifically, he added, “If that’s what the word is, then that must be it.” White seemed less uncertain about the location than simply unwilling to make the formal announcement himself, growing irritated when a reporter questioned his role in the promotion. “You might want to ask the promoters of the fight,” he said. “I’m not going to play these games with these [expletive] guys.”

The real anger surfaced when White was told Hearn still wants the fight in Britain and had discussed legal action over TKO’s dealings with Madison Square Garden. “I have not. I stopped listening to Eddie Hearn about three months ago,” White said. “Is there anybody more full of [expletive] than this guy?” Hearn responded in kind, accusing White of exaggerating his own role in the venue negotiations.

What White’s outburst didn’t address is the contractual question underneath all of it: Joshua reportedly signed for a fight in Britain, and his approval is still required before Madison Square Garden becomes official. Madison Square Garden clearly suits Netflix, allowing a Friday night broadcast in American primetime away from college football and NFL competition, but it would leave British fans watching an overnight fight rather than the Wembley occasion many expected for years.

- BBN Editor

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS TYSON FURY ULTIMATUM ISSUED - "THERE WILL BE NO FIGHT"

Joshua and Fury are contracted to meet in the UK later this year but Netflix, and the fight's Saudi backers, want to host it at Madison Square Garden on November 20

Tyson Fury is due to fight Anthony Joshua(Image: Tyson Fury/Instagram)

Eddie Hearn insists he will pull the plug on Anthony Joshua's fight with Tyson Fury if New York is announced as the venue without a change of contract.

Joshua and Fury are contracted to meet in the UK later this year but Netflix, and the fight's Saudi backers, want to host it at Madison Square Garden on November 20. But Hearn insists he and Joshua want the fight to be held at Wembley and is refusing to back down in the row.

"Everybody wants to do the fight in New York, apart from Anthony Joshua and me," he told The Punch Podcast. "We're under a huge amount of pressure, and we're being told by Turki Alshikh and those guys - Netflix particularly - 'Look, we really want to do the fight in the US.' It's almost not a 'please Eddie,' but like, 'We're partners. We're paying a lot of money. Come on, you have to understand that we need to put the fight where we feel is commercially the best place.'

"I don't agree with their arguments, but I'm not the one paying the money. However, we wouldn't have signed the contract if the fight was in America, so we have to have a discussion around that. Then you've got Nick Khan phoning me up from TKO and Zuffa, saying, "Come on, can we be involved?" And I'm like, "What? Why? Why would I let you be involved?" "Well, we think we can make the fight bigger," and blah, blah, blah.

"Okay, if you tell me some reasons why I should let you be involved... Are you going to let me be involved in the next Conor McGregor fight in the UFC? No, of course not. So what? But I'm also not stubborn enough to just say no; I'll listen. The other day, though, they wrote to us and said, 'Just to let you know, we'd like to announce the fight for New York.' I said, 'No. You can't.'

"By the way, there might even be a situation where they go ahead and announce it anyway, and you'll probably see me come out quite quickly and say, 'No fight.' Because I promise you, if they announce that fight without an agreement in place to change the venue, there will be no fight, and we ain't bluffing.

"We feel really strongly that this fight should be in the UK. I've also said many times that I want it to work for everybody. Turki is spending a lot of money on this fight, if you really feel that commercially you're going to be so much better off doing it in America."

- Martin Domin

TYSON FURY CLAIMS ANTHONY JOSHUA WAS 'PULLED OUT' OF THEIR INFAMOUS SPARRING SESSION AFTER 'TURNING AWAY'

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course.

Providing Fury beats Polish veteran Mariusz Wach on Friday in Thailand and Joshua overcomes little-known Albanian Kristian Prenga a day later in Saudi Arabia, plans have been hatched for the pair to meet in late 2026.

Joshua and Fury are one fight away from finally meeting under the bright lightsCredit: Getty

While fans have been waiting a decade to see the Brits finally lock horns, it won't mark the first time they have traded leather.

Back in 2010, long before either man had carved out their glittering résumés, Fury and Joshua sparred at Finchley Boxing Club.

Fury admitted at the time that Joshua put a "beating" on him for three rounds before he rallied with an onslaught to the body.

When asked to recollect the spar by BoxingScene out in Pattaya, Thailand on Wednesday, his memory was a little more hazy.

However, he insists that Joshua was pulled out in round four after "turning away".

Tyson Fury recalls Anthony Joshua sparring session

"He was an amateur boxer, and I was a pro, maybe 10-0 or something, so there wasn't much to think about," said Fury.

"There was [sic] a lot of people there, so there was [sic] a lot of witnesses there.

"I remember him putting his legs up in the ropes after about three rounds, turning away in the corner...

"I've sparred maybe 400 or 500 heavyweights; I don't remember much of any of them really.

"The vivid memory I do have of it, though, is in about round three, he started putting legs up, and in round four he started putting his knees up in the corner, and I was like 'What the f*** is this?'

Joshua was an amateur when he sparred Fury and was still two years off winning Olympic goldCredit: GETTY

"Then they pulled him out and put somebody else in."

Fury didn't mention Joshua being pulled out when he spoke to BBC Radio London a few weeks after the spar.

Tyson Fury's recollection at the time

“He's red hot, him, he’s very good. To be honest with you, I thought to myself, ‘I’m only going to take it easy as he’s an amateur and we probably won’t spar again if I go mad'," said Fury in 2010.

“He’s rushed out at me, he threw a one-two and a left hook, and I slipped. I thought, 'He’s not that good, I’m going to take my time.'

“Then, bash, he gives me a big uppercut right on the point of the chin.

"If I'd have had a bit of a weak chin like David Price, I'd have been knocked out for a month.

Fury was 10 fights deep into his professional careerCredit: Getty

“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.

"I thought ‘Oh my god, an amateur is killing me.’ Being a professional, and I’ve been an amateur myself and fought all over the world, I slowed him down a bit with a few good body shots.

“The kid's only 20, and I’m a handful myself, so for him to put up a good performance like that against a top prospect in me, I think he’s one for the future.”

What did Anthony Joshua say about sparring Tyson Fury?

In 2016, AJ gave his own version of events.

"I used to read the Boxing News religiously, like I still do. In the magazine I remember reading, 'Tyson Fury's going around different gyms sparring, and if anyone can knock him out, they get to keep his Rolex,'" Joshua told Sky Sports.

"I'm hungry. I'm still hungry now; if you know me, I'm hungry.

- George Glinski

ANTHONY JOSAHUA AND TYSON FURVY TOLD THEIR FIGHT WILL BE CANCELED

Anthony Joshua has signed to fight Tyson Fury this autumn but must first beat Kristian Prenga in July in his first fight since he was involved in a car crash

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will fight this year(Image: Getty)

Kristian Prenga has vowed to beat Anthony Joshua and ensure his fight with Tyson Fury never happens.

Joshua has signed to fight Fury this autumn but must first take on unknown heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia in July. Fury is also considering taking a warm-up fight despite returning to the ring just last month when he outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov in his first fight for 16 months.

And Prenga has promised to upset the odds against Joshua and prevent him from finally facing Fury. Everybody is talking about Joshua vs. Fury as if this fight is just a formality, which is a very dangerous mindset in heavyweight boxing. One punch changes everything in this division," he told Casinolyze.

"I am not showing up for a payday or a photo-op, I am coming to win the fight. By winning, I will smash the biggest fight in British boxing history overnight. The world needs to understand that I am not a manufactured fighter. I am a real fighter who has earned everything through hard work. I fight for my family, my supporters, for Albania, and now I fight for every person who has ever been overlooked or underestimated.

"A victory changes everything: financially, professionally, and historically. But more than anything, it proves that belief, toughness, and perseverance still matter in this sport. For sure I am being overlooked, but that’s fine. The people overlooking me today will be the same people pretending they always knew how dangerous I was afterward. Being doubted fuels me."

Joshua will be fighting for the first time since he cheated death in a car crash in Nigeria last December. And Prenga admits he is unsure as to which version of the former world champion he will face. "That’s one of the big questions heading into the fight," he added.

"Earlier in his career, Joshua fought with more freedom and aggression. In recent years he’s become more cautious at times, probably because of some of the setbacks he’s had. We’ll see which version shows up. I am prepared for the very best version possible.

"I’m not going to disrespect Anthony Joshua because he’s accomplished a lot in this sport. But like every heavyweight, he has vulnerabilities. We believe pressure, pace, and forcing exchanges can expose things that don’t show up when he’s controlling the fight comfortably behind the jab."

- Martin Domin

WEALTHIEST BRITISH SPORTS STARS

 

FRANK WARREN DROPS CONTRACT BOMBSHELL THAT STOPS DANA WHITE FROM PROMOTING ANTHONY JOSAHUA VS TYSON FURY

 

Frank Warren has poured cold water on Dana White's claims that he will promote Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury.

Warren told assembled media on Saturday night, after Daniel Dubois' gutsy stoppage win over Fabio Wardley, that it is contractually impossible for the Zuffa Boxing chief to be involved in such a capacity.

Joshua and Fury have signed to fight each other after their respective tune-up fightsCredit: Getty

"Well, he's not [promoting Joshua vs Fury] because the contract with Tyson says that Zuffa will not be able to promote that fight," said Warren.

"I don't know [where he has got that from]. Ask him. I mean, it is just b******."

When Warren's comments were put to White at the Zuffa Boxing 06 post-fight press conference on Sunday, he quipped: "Then he must be right."

"I'm going to leave that alone," he added. "Apparently, I'm not the promoter, according to some people."

Queensberry vs Zuffa Boxing

Earlier this year, Warren threatened legal action against Saudi Arabian state-owned entertainment and hospitality company Sela and TKO Group Holdings, the American media conglomerate that owns the UFC and WWE.

TKO inked a five-year partnership with Sela and Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh to form Zuffa Boxing last year.

Warren alleged in a 'letter before action' sent to relevant parties that the joint venture breached contracts that his promotional outfit, Queensberry, had signed with the Saudis and TKO.

Queensberry claims to have signed an exclusive deal with Sela in September 2023 to provide boxing services.

Warren's company says it also reached a separate agreement with TKO, granting the sports giant access to Queenberry's online data, including details of its contract with Sela.

Queensberry alleges that TKO and Sela used privileged information to go behind its back to create their new entity.

Warren has threatened legal action against TKO and SelaCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

There has been no development on the case since February, when it was revealed Warren was preparing legal action.

Alalshikh and Warren sat next to each other at ringside for Fury's comeback fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov, and will work together for Joshua vs Fury, which is being targeted for the back end of the year after both men participate in tune-up fights.

Discussing the current state of his relationship with the Saudis during a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Warren said: "Riyadh Season for me was a blast, everyone cooperated to put on some great shows, and I enjoyed it.

"But things are what they are, and you have to keep evolving and moving on.

"They are talking about Agit [Kabayel] fighting [Oleksandr] Usyk, and Agit is with us, so if that is going to happen, then we are going to have to work together on it.

"The same with Hamzah Sheeraz, it's the same thng."

- George Glinski

JAKE PAUL CALLED OUT BY FORMER JOSHUA AND FURY OPPONENT: "I NEED TO HANDLE HIM"

Jake Paul has been targeted for a showdown with a former rival of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury as he prepares to make his return to action.

‘The Problem Child’ has been inactive since he suffered a brutal sixth round stoppage defeat to two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami back in December.

Paul recently underwent successful surgery after ‘AJ’ broke the American’s jaw in two places after landing a thunderous right hand to close the show on their controversial heavyweight bout on December 19.

The 29-year-old from Cleveland is expected to make his return to the ring before the end of the year however and has been targeted for a potential showdown with former UFC world heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who has suffered defeats to both Fury and Joshua during his own boxing career.

Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, Ngannou admitted that he would be open to facing Paul in the future as he vows to ‘handle’ the former Youtube sensation should their paths cross in the future.

“Well, at first I wasn’t so excited. I wasn’t looking into that, but I think at some point I need to handle him, you know? I think I need to handle him. I think I can kick his ass if I might say so, if I’m allowed to say so.”

Ngannou is yet to step foot back in a boxing ring since he suffered a second round stoppage defeat to Joshua at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia back in March of 2024.

The 39-year-old Cameroonian is in line to make his MMA return this month when he faces Brazil’s Philipe Lins in a five-round bout on the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Saturday May 16.

- Kailem Lowe

FIVE BOXERS TYSON FURY COULD FACE BEFORE ANTHONY JOSAHUA FIGHT AS FRANK WARREN CONFIRMS PLANS

Fans could see Tyson Fury back in the ring before a blockbuster fight against Anthony Joshua later this year... but against who?

Tyson Fury is set to fight Anthony Joshua(Image: (Mark Robinson/Getty Images))

1. The heavyweights in the frame: Staying active: Tyson Fury has reportedly instructed Frank Warren to secure an interim date to avoid the ring rust that plagued his early rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It has been said that the Gypsy King feels that a second training camp this year could be essential for his mental discipline and physical conditioning before facing a revitalised Joshua.

2. Makhmudov rematch: A second bout with Makhmudov may remain a viable fallback option given the Russian's durability and the commercial success of their first encounter on Netflix. While Fury won convincingly on the scorecards, Makkmudov's early aggression provided the exact type of hair-raising moments that keep the public engaged.

3. Big Bang threat: Zhilei Zhang stands out as a highly feasible candidate because his southpaw stance and massive power would offer Fury the ultimate tactical dress rehearsal. Despite being in the twilight of his career, 'Big Bang' remains a top-tier gatekeeper whose involvement would draw massive international viewership and test Fury's defensive reflexes.

4. The Bakole challenge: Choosing Martin Bakole would silence critics who claim Fury is looking for an easy touch, as the Congolese giant possesses the engine and physical size to make every round a gruelling chore. The 32-year-old hasn't fought since his draw against Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

5. Joshua's risky tune-up: Anthony Joshua is set to face the Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25, a fight that Frank Warren warned could "kill" the Fury bout if an upset occurs. Because Prenga boasts a formidable knockout ratio, the entire 2026 boxing calendar rests on Joshua successfully navigating this dangerous hurdle without sustaining an injury.

6. WBC interim situation: Agit Kabayel currently holds a position of power as the WBC interim champion, making a fight with Fury logically consistent for the governing body's rankings. A victory over Kabayel would allow Fury to walk into the Joshua fight as the undisputed focus of the WBC, removing any political obstacles regarding mandatory challengers.

7. British domestic clash: Fabio Wardley remains a dark horse for the interim slot due to his recent surge in popularity and his status as a fellow Queensberry-promoted fighter. A domestic showdown with Wardley - who faces Daniel Dubois next week - would serve as a perfect "Battle of Britain" appetiser, though some believe the risk of a domestic upset is too high for such a late stage in negotiations.

8. Timing and logistics: The proposed interim fight would likely need to take place in late summer or early autumn to allow for a three-month recovery and preparation window before the Joshua clash. This tight turnaround requires an opponent who is already in active training and ready to sign a contract without prolonged promotional disputes.

9. Saudi Arabian backing: Most of these potential matchups are contingent on the support of Riyadh Season, which has become the primary financial engine for the heavyweight division's biggest events. Regardless of whether the fight lands in London or Saudi Arabia, the organisers are keen to ensure both Fury and Joshua enter their final 2026 clash at their absolute best.

10. READ THE FULL STORY ON ANTHONY JOSHUA'S DIG AT TYSON FURY: Tyson Fury immediately takes dig from Anthony Joshua as two fights announced

- Fasika Zelealem

FRANK WARREN: TYSON FURY ASKING FOR WARM-UP FIGHT BEFORE FACING ANTHONY JOSAHUA

Fury ended a 14-month hiatus from boxing earlier this month when he beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on points.

Fury ended a 14-month hiatus from boxing earlier this month when he beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on points.

Tyson Fury has instructed his team to arrange another warm-up fight before a ‘Battle of Britain’ with long-standing rival Anthony Joshua.

Fury ended a 14-month hiatus this month when he got the better of Arslanbek Makhmudov on points at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and subsequently traded verbal insults with a ringside Joshua.

It ramped up excitement ahead of an eagerly anticipated domestic bout which has been years in the making and this week Joshua signed a contract to finally fight Fury, but another potential spanner in the works has emerged.

Joshua was already set for a tune-up bout on July 25 with Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga which Queensberry promoter Frank Warren suggested could “kill” any contest with Fury later in 2026 if an upset occurred.

However, Warren has confirmed Fury also intends to step back in the ring before he faces Joshua in a move which casts further doubt on the bout and increases the risk of an injury for either British heavyweight.

“I think he will probably want to be doing something in between, let’s see,” Warren said.

“AJ has got his fight. Tyson, I’m quite sure, will have a fight in between. That’s what he’s asking for and we’ll see where we go from there.”

- George Sessions

TYSON FURVY VS. ARSLANBEK MAKHAMUDOV | FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

TYSON FURVY VS ARSLANBEK MAKHAMUDOV | TALE OF THE TAPE

 

TALKS ARE UNDERWAY FOR TYSON FURY V ANTHONY JOSHUA FIGHT AT CROCK PARK IN WHAT COULD BE KATIE TAYLOR'S FAREWELL SHOW

 

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could be set to meet at Croke Park (Zac Goodwin/Bradley Collyer/PA)

Rumours that Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited heavyweight fight against Tyson Fury could be staged in Dublin later this year have been rippling through the boxing grapevine over the last few weeks and now it has been confirmed that talks are underway to stage the contest at Croke Park in September.

Fury will make his return to boxing when he takes on Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night and he has been speaking about the prospect of finally facing Joshua later this year in the build-up to the fight.

The two British fighters have come close to a showdown on numerous occasions in the past, but deals for the fight to take place have fallen through.

Now influential Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh is pushing to get the fight into the diary at last, with Dublin appearing to be the favoured venue for the fight.

A Joshua vs Fury bout in Dublin would also give Katie Taylor a chance to realise her last big dream of a fight at Croke Park, with the stadium’s chief executive Peter McKenna telling the BBC that a deal is being negotiated.

"The real hope is that we will get Tyson Fury here later on in the year. That would be such a world-billing event that we would be able to facilitate a Katie Taylor fight here," said McKenna.

"A lot of stars need to align. Katie's manager needs to agree, Katie's promoter needs to agree, Tyson Fury's promoter needs to agree.

"I am very confident that all three are coming to the sense that this is one of Ireland's greatest sporting athletes and it would be such a 'wow' to have her here and for her to finish her career here."

Security costs have been cited as one of the reasons why Taylor has been denied the chance to fight at Croke Park throughout her professional career, with her promoter Eddie Hearn failing to reach an agreement to allow the Bray-born boxer to fight in front of what is certain to be a sell-out crowd.

Joshua’s last fight came against YouTuber Jake Paul last December and he has yet to confirm when he will make a return to the ring after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

- Kevin Palmer

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