Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua believes a fight with Tyson Fury “must happen this year.” As he plans his next bout, Joshua is eager to face Fury in what fans anticipate as one of boxing’s biggest showdowns.
A clash between these British rivals has been discussed for years but never materialized. Now, with both fighters rebounding from losses in title fights, Joshua confirmed Fury remains his top priority.
Joshua Determined to Face Fury
“It’s the fight I want to see, and I’m a fan of boxing,” Joshua explained. “Every time I’m in the gym, people ask me about this fight. I don’t have many years left in the sport, so I want to leave with a bang and make an impact.”
Joshua emphasized the urgency: “Everyone keeps asking me about it. It’s up to me to make it happen, and that’s why it must happen this year. I truly believe we can get this fight done.”
Speaking at the Ring Magazine awards in London, where Oleksandr Usyk was also present, Joshua admitted there have been no formal talks with Fury’s team yet.
Rivalries Brewing in Boxing
Fury lost to unified world champion Usyk in December, while Joshua suffered a stoppage loss to IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in September. Both fighters are now looking for redemption and a chance to solidify their legacies.
The event also included Chris Eubank Jr and his rival Conor Benn. Their long-anticipated fight has been in discussion since Benn’s doping suspension was lifted in November. Disagreements over the purse split have delayed an official announcement, but Eubank Jr remains optimistic.
“That fight will happen,” Eubank Jr confirmed. “We’re in negotiations, and things are moving well. There are just a few details left to finalize, and then we’ll announce it. Big things are coming very soon.”
With talks progressing for various high-profile matches, boxing fans have much to look forward to in the coming year.
