Long-Awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua Superfight Promised by Turki Alalshikh for 2026

Saudi royalty Turki Alalshikh confirms the much anticipated British heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Long-Awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua Superfight Promised by Turki Alalshikh for 2026

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua confirmed by Turki Alalshikh (via Boxing Scene)

In Short
  • Turki Alalshikh announced the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight for Q4 2026, confirming it as a done deal.
  • Fury recently returned to the ring with a unanimous decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov after nearly two years away.
  • Joshua is set to focus on a tune-up fight against Kristian Prenga on July 25 before the anticipated showdown.

Turki Alalshikh has taken the boxing world by storm in recent years through his growing influence over major international fight promotions. As a key figure linked with the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, he has brought the organization into the global boxing scene. He has now continued that trend by officially announcing the long-anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Fury recently made another retirement U-turn as he returned to action against Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov. He won via unanimous decision, moving back into the win column after nearly two years away from competition. This came after his rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Meanwhile, Joshua last fought Jake Paul in December 2025, securing a sixth-round knockout victory.

The two fighters have called each other out for years, but the matchup never materialized due to various reasons. Even after his win over Makhmudov, Fury called out Joshua, who was present in the crowd. The Ring Magazine has now confirmed the bout is a done deal, expected to stream on Netflix, and take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Alalshikh had also teased the announcement hours earlier on social media.

To my friends in Great Britain- it’s happening. It’s signed.

Turki Alashikh via X

Joshua was also recently involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria, where his vehicle collided with a stationary truck. The accident resulted in the deaths of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. He sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized for treatment before being discharged. The incident drew widespread support from across the boxing world, including Fury, who extended condolences.

A fight between the two British heavyweights was targeted multiple times but never finalized. In 2020, talks advanced after Joshua defeated Kubrat Pulev but stalled over financial terms. In 2021, a proposed two-fight deal collapsed when U.S. arbitration ordered Fury to complete a trilogy with Deontay Wilder. Later negotiations were blocked by contract disputes and The Gypsy King’s repeated retirements.

Turki Alalshikh’s recent announcement highlights his growing influence in boxing, with his backing driving major global matchups and events. It reflects the growing role of Saudi-led initiatives in shaping elite sport. Anthony Joshua now shifts focus to a tune-up fight against Kristian Prenga on July 25. Tyson Fury remains aligned with the confirmed long-term plan for a heavyweight showdown with Joshua.

Eddie Hearn reveals why Anthony Joshua did not get into the ring after Tyson Fury’s recent callout

Tyson Fury is widely known for his trash talk and mic skills, making him one of the sport’s most marketable fighters. His mix of personality and in-ring ability keeps him central to boxing attention. This was again evident after his win over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Following the fight, Fury called out Anthony Joshua, who was seated in the crowd with Matchroom Boxing chairman and promoter Eddie Hearn.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury (via talkSport)

Hearn has long been Joshua’s promoter under Matchroom, guiding his rise to world champion status and managing his career through multiple heavyweight title fights. Their partnership has included major stadium events and global pay-per-view bouts, and has also played a major role in securing the recent fight against Fury. Hearn has said Joshua avoided face-offs with Fury as no official deal was in place.

It is absolutely our intention to try and close this deal with His Excellency, with Netflix, and with everybody involved—but it’s not done, and it’s not signed. We were asked to get into the ring, so I asked AJ if he wanted to, and he said, ‘I don’t want to get in the ring and announce a fight that’s not done.’ I feel like that’s not being fair or honest with the British public.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

This reflects Anthony Joshua’s professionalism, as he has consistently avoided creating expectations around a fight that has been delayed multiple times in the past. By avoiding public face-offs without a finalized agreement, he has sought to prevent misleading fans about the status of negotiations. His approach aligns with a more controlled promotional strategy under Eddie Hearn’s guidance.

Also Read: