Anthony Joshua is on the brink of a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury, but a July tune‑up bout may pave the way for the November bout, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed. Hearn told Sky Sports that Joshua’s camp has the contract in hand, though the fighter has yet to give a firm commitment to the Fury fight.
After Fury won a points decision over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he issued a fresh challenge to Joshua. The British champion has been off the ropes since his December victory over Jake Paul, and the postponement of his return to training has left fans wondering whether he will face Fury directly or take a preliminary fight first.
Key developments
Hearn said that Joshua is set to receive a medical clearance and that the fighters are currently reviewing the contract. “We expect to see him back in the ring in July. The original plan was for a March fight and then a match with Fury in August, but that timeline has shifted,” the promoter explained. “July and November are the two dates we’re looking at now, and we want to move forward.”
Speculation has arisen that Joshua’s July bout could be against Deontay Wilder, a possibility Hearn is still exploring. “We’re open to the idea of a back‑to‑back schedule, Wilder first, then Fury,” Hearn added. “If it’s the right step for Joshua, we’ll go for it.”
What happens next
Wilder’s camp has remained quiet, with manager Shelly Finkel saying he was “new to the situation” and that discussions were yet to take place.
As the fight negotiations continue, all eyes will be on Joshua’s decision and the final confirmation of dates for the highly anticipated British heavyweight showdown.
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