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

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been linked for nearly ten years but have yet to face off in the ring. Both are two-time heavyweight champions and major figures in British boxing. Now in their mid-30s, with Joshua aged 36 and Fury 37, they share a similar career trajectory, each having suffered two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

The heavyweight division is currently in flux. Usyk has given up his belts, leaving Daniel Dubois (WBO), Agit Kabayel (WBC), and Murat Gassiev (WBA) holding the main titles, while the IBF belt remains available. As these shifts occur, fans want to see the two top British fighters meet rather than chase other titles.

Upcoming Fights Before the Clash

This week, neither Joshua nor Fury will fight each other, but both will be active. Fury is set to fight veteran contender Mariusz Wach over 10 rounds in Thailand on July 24. Joshua will headline in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, facing Albanian knockout artist Kristian Prenga on July 25. This is Joshua’s first bout since a tragic car accident last December that took the lives of his team members and close friends.

After Fury’s return from retirement, marked by a clear points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, he publicly challenged Joshua. Fans have been waiting for these two to finally meet.

When Will Joshua and Fury Face Each Other?

Assuming both win their upcoming matches, Joshua and Fury are scheduled to fight on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Both fighters signed contracts arranged by Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh, though some negotiation took place regarding the fight’s location. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, insisted the bout happen in the UK despite hints it might move to the US due to connections with UFC owner Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, partly owned by a Saudi company.

In the end, the fight will take place in Wales. Fury, ranked number one by the WBC, sees a clearer path to a title compared to Joshua, but both have set aside differences to make the match official.

Previous Encounters and Sparring History

Joshua and Fury have never met professionally. Their only known encounter was an amateur sparring session around 2010, which Fury recalls as intense, saying Joshua "gave me a beating" and was very impressive as a 20-year-old. Fury mentioned Joshua was pulled out after three rounds, a point supported by Joshua's amateur coach Sean Murphy, who noted Fury wanted to continue but Joshua was withdrawn.

Joshua has referenced this sparring memory when trading words with Fury, confidently stating he'd "punch you up again" if they fought now.