Anthony Joshua has reignited hopes for a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, urging his heavyweight rival to agree to a Battle of Britain clash this year. Speaking at The Ring Awards, the 35-year-old expressed his determination to make the fight happen, saying, “It’s a fight I want to see because I’m a fan of boxing. It has to happen this year.”
Two Fighters at a Crossroads
Both Joshua and Fury are coming off recent defeats and face limited opportunities for title contention:
- Joshua was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in October while attempting to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
- Fury suffered back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight title rematch late last year.
With title opportunities scarce, a bout between the two British icons represents a lucrative and high-profile option as they approach the twilight of their careers.
Joshua’s Renewed Focus and Vision
Joshua revealed that he has taken time to heal both physically and mentally after his recent loss, declining business opportunities to focus on boxing:
“I let my body heal… I’ve got more years behind me than ahead of me. I want to leave the game with a bang and go for the big fights. Tyson Fury is one of them.”
Joshua also highlighted the public demand for the fight, acknowledging that fans constantly ask when the bout will happen.
Potential Venue and Timelines
- Likely Destination: Saudi Arabia, which has hosted several high-profile boxing events in recent years.
- Timeline: A summer fight could materialize, with both fighters expected to avoid other opponents beforehand.
Fury Yet to Decide Next Move
Fury, who has previously teased a fight with Joshua, has not announced his next opponent. Meanwhile, Dubois is reportedly seeking a unification fight with Usyk, who remains undefeated and is weighing his next challenge.
Joshua’s Final Push for Greatness
Joshua remains adamant that a clash with Fury would be a fitting chapter in his storied career, describing it as a must-see event for fans:
“Everyone always asks me, ‘When are you fighting Fury?’ As a fighter, it’s up to me to deliver. These conversations start the ball rolling.”
With both fighters under pressure to deliver, the long-anticipated showdown could finally come to fruition, promising a historic night for British boxing and the heavyweight division.
