Anthony Joshua Signs Deal to Fight Tyson Fury, Sets Comeback Bout for July

By Paul Joseph

British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua has signed a long-anticipated deal to face fellow former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

The announcement marks a major step toward one of the most awaited matchups in modern boxing, with both fighters having dominated the heavyweight division for over a decade.

Despite years of negotiations and failed attempts to secure the bout, Hearn confirmed on Monday that the fight agreement has now been finalised.

Before the blockbuster clash, Joshua is scheduled to return to the ring in a comeback fight against Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The bout will be Joshua’s first since his involvement in a fatal car crash in December, which claimed the lives of two members of his team.

Reflecting on his return, Joshua said he has taken time to recover and refocus following the tragic incident. “This is the next step in my journey back to the ring,” he noted, expressing determination to rebuild momentum ahead of the high-profile showdown with Fury.

Joshua, 36, will enter the fight against Prenga as favourite, though the 35-year-old opponent brings a strong record, with 20 wins most by knockout and one defeat.

Analysts view the bout as a strategic warm-up designed to prepare Joshua physically and mentally for the scale of the Fury contest.

The long-awaited Joshua-Fury fight, will hold on November this year, although an official date has not been announced.

However, earlier indications suggest it could take place later in the year, with potential venues in the United Kingdom or alternative global locations under consideration.

Fury, 37, recently returned to action with a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and publicly called out Joshua following the bout, further intensifying anticipation around the clash.

With both fighters boasting multiple world titles and global fan bases, the upcoming showdown is expected to be one of the biggest events in boxing history, potentially reshaping the heavyweight landscape.