Tyson Fury Urges Anthony Joshua to Forget Deontay Wilder and Fight Now
The heavyweight boxing landscape is shifting rapidly as Tyson Fury prepares for his return to the ring. After a 16-month hiatus, the 37-year-old is not only focused on his immediate comeback but is aggressively pushing for a long-overdue showdown with fellow Brit Anthony Joshua.
Fury has issued an emphatic plea to Joshua, urging him to avoid interim bouts and secure their fight before the end of the year. This call comes at a critical juncture for both fighters, as they navigate recoveries, retirements, and the lure of other high-profile opponents.
The Road Back: Fury vs. Makhmudov
Before any clash with Joshua can materialize, Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) must first navigate his return from retirement. Fury is scheduled to fight Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) this Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The bout will be broadcast on Netflix at 7 p.m. U.K. Time (2 p.m. ET in the U.S.).
Fury, who has not fought since December 2024, admitted he needed time away from the sport, stating he was “sick of the boxing game.” However, his return is now framed as the first step toward the fight fans have waited a decade to see.
“Forget Deontay Wilder”: Fury’s Warning to Joshua
The prospect of a Fury-Joshua fight has been complicated by the presence of Deontay Wilder. Following Wilder’s recent victory over Derek Chisora at The O2, Wilder publicly called out Anthony Joshua. Fury was quick to dismiss the idea of Joshua taking that fight, labeling Wilder a “shell of himself.”
Fury emphasized the volatility of the heavyweight division, noting that “anything can go wrong” and that injuries or knockout losses often derail planned matchups. “I think we should acquire this fight on as soon as possible, in case something happens in between,” Fury told reporters on Wednesday.
Joshua’s Recovery and Training Status
Anthony Joshua’s path back to the ring has been hindered by personal tragedy. Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria on December 29, an accident that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
While Joshua has recently returned to training, his camp remains cautious. Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated a preference for Joshua to have a “run out” or warm-up fight before facing Fury. Joshua’s last professional outing was a bout against Jake Paul in December.
Dublin Destination: The Croke Park Plan
Talks are currently underway to stage the Fury-Joshua fight in September at Croke Park in Dublin. The 80,000-seat stadium, renowned as the home of Gaelic games, is the target venue for the event. According to BBC Sport, this timeline depends on two primary factors:
- Tyson Fury must win his comeback fight against Makhmudov this Saturday.
- Anthony Joshua must decide against taking a warm-up fight this summer.
If Joshua opts for a preliminary bout, the target for the Fury-Joshua fight will shift to the end of the year, with the location potentially moving back to the UK.
Key Takeaways: The State of the Heavyweight Clash
- Immediate Hurdle: Fury must defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday in London.
- Proposed Date: September (if no warm-up fight for Joshua).
- Proposed Venue: Croke Park, Dublin (80,000 capacity).
- Conflict: Fury wants an immediate fight; Eddie Hearn prefers a warm-up for Joshua.
- The “Wilder” Factor: Fury has urged Joshua to ignore Deontay Wilder’s call-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tyson Fury fighting next?
Tyson Fury fights Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Why has Anthony Joshua been out of the ring?
Joshua is recovering from a car accident in Nigeria that occurred on December 29 and resulted in the deaths of two close friends.
Where could Fury vs. Joshua take place?
Current talks are focused on Croke Park in Dublin for September, though a UK venue remains an option for later in the year.
The boxing world now looks to Saturday’s result in London. A victory for Fury keeps the momentum alive for a historic clash with Joshua, provided both camps can align their schedules and priorities before the year concludes.