Anthony Joshua signs deal to fight Tyson Fury later this year in Britain's biggest fight of a generation

Anthony Joshua has signed a deal to fight Tyson Fury. It comes just after a heavyweight showdown with Kristian Prenga, which marks AJ's return to the ring after his team's fatal car crash.

In a blockbuster announcement, promoter Eddie Hearn wrote on Instagram: "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on!"

The Ring, headed by Saudi General Entertainment Authority supremo Turki Alalshikh, confirmed the fight will take place in "Q4 2026".

The match-up with Prenga - which will take place in Riyadh on July 30 - will be Joshua’s first fight since beating YouTuber Jake Paul in December 2025.

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Just days after that clash, Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria, which killed two members of his team and led to the former world champion taking some time away from boxing.

Speaking about his comeback, Joshua said: ”It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey.

”I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”

Joshua has fought huge names including Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Oleksandr Usyk over the years, but a clash with Fury has never materialised.

However, after defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this month, Fury called out Joshua to finally make the fight happen, and it appears it is getting closer.

Fury grabbed the microphone after the fight and addressed Joshua, who was sat ringside.

"I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next. Do you accept?" Fury shouted down from the ring. Joshua did not reply.

Before Fury, Joshua must take on Prenga, who will pose a challenge with his impressive record. The 35-year-old has just one defeat in his career, and all of his 20 wins have come by way of knockout.

This will be the most high-profile bout of Prenga’s career to date, and he is ready to take his opportunity in the spotlight.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Image credit: Getty Images

Prenga said: ”Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.

"I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.” 

For Joshua, he will be aiming to rise in the sport once more to recreate former glories.

He turned professional after winning gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and went on to become a two-time unified heavyweight champion.

Joshua held the WBO, IBF and WBA titles from March 2018 and July 2019, before later reclaiming the three belts with a unanimous points decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019.

His second run as unified champion lasted until September 2021, when he was defeated by Usyk.

Victories against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou followed, but a stinging defeat against Daniel Dubois left Joshua's future in the sport in doubt.

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