Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: What to Expect from the Anticipated Battle of Britain Heavyweight Bout

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been in each other's orbit for nearly ten years. Both are two-time heavyweight champions and stand as major figures in British sports today. They are close in age, with Joshua at 36 and Fury 37. Each has suffered two defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk and appear to be nearing the twilight of their careers.

Despite that, excitement is high as both fighters prepare to return this week during a period of change in the heavyweight ranks. Usyk has relinquished his belts, leaving Daniel Dubois (WBO), Agit Kabayel (WBC), and Murat Gassiev (WBA) holding the main titles, while the IBF belt remains open. As these shifts unfold, fans want to see these top stars face off rather than chase other championships.

Are Joshua and Fury Fighting This Week?

Neither fighter will meet each other this week, but both are active. Fury is scheduled to fight Mariusz Wach, a seasoned former world title challenger, over 10 rounds in Thailand on July 24. The following day, Joshua headlines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, against Kristian Prenga, an Albanian known for knockouts but with less challenging opposition so far.

Joshua’s bout marks his return after injuries sustained in a tragic car accident last December that took the lives of close friends and team members Ina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The group had been on vacation in Nigeria, where Joshua's family originates, following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami. Fury recently came back from retirement with a decisive points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April at Wembley and used the moment to call out Joshua.

When Will Joshua Face Fury?

Assuming both get through their upcoming fights without surprise losses, the highly awaited showdown is set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Contracts have been signed with Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh to make it happen, though some obstacles remained.

• Joshua’s contract demands the fight take place in the UK
• Alalshikh, linked to UFC's Dana White and Saudi entertainment company Sela, preferred a U.S. venue
• The fight will ultimately be held in Wales

Fury, ranked No. 1 challenger by the WBC, has a clearer path to a title compared to Joshua. He expressed skepticism about Joshua’s willingness to confront him directly in media settings, suggesting Joshua might avoid press conferences or face-to-face challenges.

"I can never see that stiff [Joshua] sitting on a table with me like that fella there [Wach]. What the f— is he going to say? I can never actually see him at a press conference with me. It will just be like… a bombardment. I can never see him taking that." – Tyson Fury

Still, they resolved their differences to confirm the December date.

Have Joshua and Fury Fought Before?

They have never met in a professional bout. An amateur sparring session around 2010 has become part of the lore between them. Fury recalled the session fondly, noting Joshua gave him a tough time despite being young and inexperienced then.

"If I’d have had a bit of a weak chin, I’d have been knocked out for a month," Fury said. "He’s very, very good and he’s only young, 20. Watch out for that name Anthony Joshua - he is one prospect for the future." "He came out at me for three rounds and he gave me a beating - I’m not going to deny it, he gave me hell for leather for three rounds." – Tyson Fury

Fury later altered his story slightly, stating Joshua was pulled out after three rounds. Joshua’s amateur coach Sean Murphy confirmed the sparring details, saying Joshua landed an uppercut and left hook that left Fury wobbly in round three. Fury wanted a fourth round but Murphy stopped it.

Recently, Joshua referenced the sparring while trading words with Fury after his win over Makhmudov:

"I've never had no problem getting in a ring with you," Joshua said. "I punched you up when we were kids and, after watching you tonight, I'll punch you up again."