After a dramatic return to the ring, Anthony Joshua has made it clear that his next target isn’t another influencer boxer, a tune-up fight, or a lesser name it’s Tyson Fury, the man his fans have been clamouring to see him face for years. With Joshua’s brutal sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul now behind him, the two-time heavyweight world champion has renewed his call for the long-awaited British heavyweight showdown to finally take place in 2026. Sky Sports+1
This blog explores why Joshua wants Fury next, what it would mean for heavyweight boxing, and whether the towering all-British battle might finally get signed, sealed, and delivered in the coming year.
A Return With a Statement
On December 20, 2025, Anthony Joshua ended a 15-month hiatus in emphatic fashion, stopping YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight contest in Miami — a fight broadcast globally on Netflix. Sky Sports
Despite calling it “not the best performance”, Joshua’s victory was decisive: he persevered through a slow start to deliver the knockout finish boxing purists had long hoped to see. Yahoo Sports
But more than the result itself, it was Joshua’s post-fight challenge that grabbed headlines. Turning immediately to the figure boxing fans have wanted to see him face for years, Joshua issued a direct call-out to Tyson Fury.
The Call-Out Heard Around Boxing
Speaking in the wake of his victory, Joshua told reporters and fans:
“I’m ready to roll into 2026… And if Tyson Fury’s as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves, step in the ring with me next if you’re a real bad boy.” Sky Sports
Joshua’s remarks were both a challenge and a dare suggesting that Fury’s social-media bravado should be matched in the ring. The heavyweight rivalry between Joshua and Fury has simmered for years, making this moment feel like a turning point rather than a passing headline. Yahoo Sports
Why This Fight Matters More Than Ever
A Joshua vs Fury bout has been on fight fans’ wish lists for years. Both British heavyweights were among the most recognisable figures in the division throughout the last decade, yet they have never squared off in the ring.
According to boxing promoter Frank Warren, Fury has indicated a willingness to return to fight Joshua in 2026, provided the deal is right. Warren has publicly stated that negotiations are underway and that the clash could happen as early as late summer 2026. Sky Sports
The timing makes strategic sense for both men:
- Joshua has restored momentum with his KO win after a lengthy break, shaking off critics and reaffirming his status in the division. Sky Sports
- Fury, still a huge draw despite inactivity, is widely expected to end his retirement and pursue a major comeback fight. Sky Sports
The combined global reach of these two heavyweights could generate one of the most lucrative and highest-profile boxing events of the decade.
A Fight Fans Have Talked About for Years
Talk of a Joshua–Fury matchup isn’t new fans and pundits alike have been pushing for it for most of the last decade. In fact, as far back as early 2025, Joshua publicly expressed a desire to face Fury, indicating his motivation to land that fight soon and promising to help make it happen. TNT Sports
But year after year, various factors from other title fights to competing promotional interests — have kept it from materialising. Whatever the reasons, both fighters have always looked like the ones most deserving of sharing a ring.
That dynamic remains strong now that Joshua has overcome his layoff and Fury has hinted at a return.
Joshua’s Mindset Going Into 2026
Despite publicly admitting he wasn’t satisfied with his early rounds against Paul, Joshua spoke about shaking off “cobwebs” and jumping straight into 2026 with renewed focus. Sky Sports
His current mindset seems strategically clear:
- Silence the doubters by proving he still hits hard and can finish fights decisively. Yahoo Sports
- Force a mega-bout with Tyson Fury, the name he’s long wanted to test himself against. Sky Sports
- Avoid unnecessary ring rust by pushing straight into a headline fight rather than low-profile tune-ups. Sky Sports
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has backed this approach confirming the desire to make a Fury fight a reality without stepping through smaller bouts first, with potential talk as early as the turn of the year. Sky Sports
Fury’s Position: Retirement, Training, and Business
While Fury has been inactive throughout 2025 following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, recent reports indicate that The Gypsy King has been training hard and could return if conditions are right. Sky Sports
Frank Warren has stressed that Fury’s participation hinges on the financial package and promotional arrangement a not-unexpected reality at the top level of heavyweight boxing. Sky Sports
Fury’s return to the ring has been the subject of constant speculation, with talk of a comeback not limited to a fight with Joshua. Still, a clash with AJ is widely viewed as the ultimate British heavyweight fight one that could eclipse other domestic rivalries. Yahoo Sports
The Boxing Landscape For 2026
If a Joshua–Fury fight comes to fruition, it will sit at the centre of an increasingly packed heavyweight hierarchy.
Here’s what else looms in 2026:
- Oleksandr Usyk remains the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion after dispatching Fury and continuing his dominance. TNT Sports
- Emerging talents like Moses Itauma and others are pushing up the rankings, offering depth to the division. ESPN.com
- Other major fights remain possible if the Fury bout does not materialize, including high-profile tune-up bouts. Boxing News 24
Even beyond Fury, a key narrative for 2026 will be how Joshua positions himself among the heavyweight elite with or without Fury.
Why the All-British Heavyweight Clash Still Matters
A fight between Joshua and Fury transcends simple boxing rivalry it would be a historic moment in British sport. These two men defined the heavyweight conversation for more than a decade, and though both are now past their physical peaks, the emotional and commercial pull of a showdown remains enormous.
And unlike the spectacle of influencer boxing matchups, this would be about legacy, pride, and sporting achievement the type of contest many say heavyweight boxing deserves.
Can It Really Happen?
Despite the excitement, there are still hurdles:
- Contract negotiations must be ironed out and Fury’s financial demands will play a big role. Sky Sports
- Timing and fight scheduling both men may need to pick strategic warm-up bouts if they want peak performance on fight night. Boxing News 24
- Promotion and logistics location, broadcasting rights, and promotional deals will all influence how and when it happens. Sky Sports
But with Joshua openly challenging Fury and discussions reportedly already happening between their teams, the momentum feels stronger than ever. Sky Sports
Conclusion: A New Chapter in 2026?
Anthony Joshua’s emphatic if imperfect return kickstarted his 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion. By calling out Tyson Fury immediately after his knockout win, Joshua has signaled that he’s not just back he’s targeting the biggest fight he can get.
Whether Fury responds, negotiations go smoothly, and the fight finally materialises remains to be seen. But with both fighters eager and industry insiders placing the bout on the radar for 2026, there’s a growing sense that one of boxing’s greatest unfulfilled matchups might finally get the moment it deserves.
