One of the most anticipated bouts in boxing history, Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, is finally being seriously mapped out for 2026, according to major reports. The long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown is being targeted to headline a Riyadh Season mega-event in Saudi Arabia.
The fight, which has eluded fans for nearly a decade, is contingent on both champions navigating separate bouts in early 2026. The news comes with a heavy dose of scepticism, given the fight’s long history of near-misses and collapses.
From Dream to Blueprint: The 2026 Plan
While contracts are not yet signed, influential figures in Saudi boxing, including Turki Alalshikh, are actively working to finalise the deal. The proposed roadmap would see both fighters compete in individual warm-up bouts in the first quarter of 2026 before facing each other later in the year.
This staged approach is seen as a way to build momentum and ensure both men are active and in competitive shape. However, the plan faces an immediate and significant hurdle: Tyson Fury is officially retired following his two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ghost of Negotiations Past
Fans’ caution is rooted in bitter experience. The fight was closest to happening in 2021 when a deal was agreed in principle for a historic, undisputed heavyweight championship clash in Saudi Arabia. It collapsed at the final hour after Fury was ordered to face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy fight.
“We’ve been here before,” said prominent boxing analyst Steve Bunce. “The difference now is the singular focus and financial power of the Saudi boxing project. If anyone can get it over the line, it’s them. But until both men are in the ring, no one will truly believe it.”
The Road to Riyadh: Upcoming Fights
Before any 2026 plans can proceed, both men have immediate business.
- Anthony Joshua is next scheduled to face YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an 8-round professional bout on 19 December 2025 in Miami, USA. The event will be streamed globally on Netflix.
- Tyson Fury has no fight announced. His return from retirement is the single biggest question mark hanging over the proposed 2026 schedule.
A loss for Joshua against Paul would be catastrophic for the projected mega-fight, while Fury’s motivation to return after his high-profile losses remains untested.
A Fight for Legacy, Not Undisputed Gold
The context of Fury-Joshua has fundamentally shifted. In 2021, it was a clash for the undisputed crown at the peak of both men’s powers. Now, it is a colossal legacy fight and a financial pinnacle for two stars whose career trajectories have diverged.
For Joshua, it represents a chance to secure the defining victory that has eluded him. For Fury, it is an opportunity to reclaim his status as Britain’s top heavyweight after his defeats to Usyk. For fans, it remains the most compelling domestic match-up in the sport’s history, even if it arrives years past its original sell-by date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fury vs Joshua fight officially confirmed for 2026?
No. It is not officially signed. Multiple major sports outlets report that a concrete plan and negotiations are underway to stage the fight in 2026 as part of the Riyadh Season, but the deal is not yet final.
What is the biggest obstacle to the fight happening?
The primary obstacle is Tyson Fury’s current retirement. He announced his exit from the sport after losing to Oleksandr Usyk and must officially reverse that decision for the fight to proceed.
Do Joshua and Fury have to fight other people first?
Yes. The reported plan requires both to take separate warm-up bouts in early 2026 before facing each other. This is a condition of the proposed deal to ensure both are active.
When is Anthony Joshua fighting next?
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to fight Jake Paul on 19 December 2025 in Miami. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix.
Why are fans so sceptical this fight will happen?
Because it has collapsed multiple times before, most notably in 2021 when a signed deal fell apart. Years of failed negotiations and changing circumstances have led to widespread caution.
Main image credit: Getty Images
