Anthony Joshua believes a fight with Tyson Fury “has to happen” in 2025.
The British heavyweights have been rivals for more than a decade but have never met in the ring, despite seemingly being on the verge of agreeing to do so on several occasions.
Promoter Eddie Hearn claimed in March 2021 that a two-fight deal had been signed, when it would have been to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, with Fury later announcing that he would be facing Joshua in August that year.
However, the fight fell through and neither man now holds a world title, with Joshua beaten by Daniel Dubois when challenging for the IBF belt in September and Fury losing his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk two months later.
As both approach the end of their careers, obstacles for that bout to finally take place appear to have all been removed and Joshua has suggested he could go head-to-head with Fury later this year.
“It’s a fight I want to see because I’m a fan of boxing, so I want to get that fight underway,” Joshua said. “When I’m in the gym, everyone’s asking me.
“I’ve not got many years ahead of me. I’ve had more years behind me, I haven’t got that many in front of me. So what I want to do is leave the game with a bang, make an impact.
“Be outlandish, great character, have fun while we’re doing it and go for the big fights. Tyson Fury is one of them.”
A rematch with Dubois was an option for Joshua, but the world champion will now defend his belt against Joseph Parker next month and has made it clear he wants another shot at Usyk after that.
Fight news soon in Africa 👊❤️ @anthonyjoshua pic.twitter.com/DPLrHBpXyu
— Martin Bakole (@MartinBakole01) January 11, 2025
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has stated he wants to see Joshua and Fury fight, which has given Joshua further confidence that an agreement can be reached.
“The Irish community, the English community, the Nigerian community - everyone’s asking me the same question,” Joshua said.
“As a fighter, it’s up to me to deliver and that’s why I’m saying it has to happen this year.”
He added: “Turki done an interview recently and he mentioned that it’s a fight he wants to see. We’re talking about it so I’m sure that it will happen.”
However, at an awards ceremony for The Ring Magazine, Martin Bakole faced off with Joshua and suggested the pair could soon do so in the ring.
Bakole tweeted: “Fight news soon in Africa.”
