Fight fans have been burned multiple times regarding a showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. From arbitrator cases, contract disputes, and abnormal negotiation tactics, plans for an all-Brit showdown continue to show no clear path.
However, recent posts by Tyson Fury may indicate a fight could be on.
Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, recently posted on social media that talks have renewed between his promoter and Joshua's promoter, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn. "The Gypsy King" is looking to fight in the summer, the initial timeframe of a proposed Joshua return to action.
Per ESPN, a fight between Fury and Joshua is currently getting discussed for September.
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"A few days ago, I sent a draft contract to Anthony Joshua for a fight in September at Wembley Stadium. It's a fight that everyone wants to see, including myself. Come on, AJ! Let's give the world what they want to see. This time I’m not gonna make a million vids & keep putting pressure on. The ball is now on your side," Fury tweeted.
A few days ago i sent a draft contract to @anthonyjoshua for a fight in September @wembleystadium its a fight that everyone wants to see including myself. Come of AJ lets give the world 🌎 what they want to see. This time im not gonna make a million vids & keep putting pressure… pic.twitter.com/ozNs9w0b8K
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 26, 2023
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua history
In 2020, Fury beat Deontay Wilder to become WBC heavyweight champion. A trilogy bout got proposed, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted those plans. Joshua beat Andy Ruiz Jr. in a rematch in December 2019 to regain the WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles. “AJ” beat Kubrat Pulev in a fight in December 2020, securing his status as champion.
With nobody in their way, Joshua and Fury agreed in principle to fight one another. However, a judge ruled in favor of Wilder for a trilogy bout against Fury. He was entitled to take up his option, and was granted it. Fury beat Wilder in a rematch, while Joshua, forced to defend his titles again, lost the belts against Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua lost the rematch against Usyk, remaining empty at the waist.
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Fury faced Dillian Whyte in April 2022, beating him and retiring. However, Fury started what many know now as his famous and repetitive social media rants, calling out Usyk and Joshua. However, fans grew tired of the act, as did Usyk, standing still and agreed to all that Fury demanded. That bout, for undisputed gold, quickly sizzled. Joshua remained quiet.
Returning to the ring in December 2022, Fury faced Derek Chisora, beating him for a third time.
From then to now, Fury has teased fighting for free and has called out Joshua since he failed in negotiating bouts with Usyk. Rumored fighters to face Fury over the last few weeks include Zhilei Zhang and Australian Demsey McKean.
Will Tyson Fury fight Anthony Joshua?
As things stand, the two have not signed a contract to fight one another.
The recent rumors are a September bout between the two, but that all depends if Fury is serious about the fight and coming to terms.
Regarding distractions that may get in their way: Usyk may fight Daniel Dubois next, as Alex Krassyuk won a purse bid of $8 million for a proposed August bout in Poland. Wilder is also lurking in the shadows, ready to fight at any moment. Given recent fight news, Joshua and Fury may start negotiations again.
The pressure may also be on for Fury, as several big bouts like Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, have been booked in 2023. Boxing fans now wait for the heavyweight division to step up.
Whether meetings are productive, at this point, will be up to Fury.
The Sporting News will add updates on this development when provided.