Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Is Finally Close But One Big Problem Still Remains

Boxing fans can almost feel it now. After years of waiting, rumors, failed talks, and endless teasing, the massive showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is finally starting to look real.

But there is still one big catch.

Even though both camps say the fight deal is signed, nobody can agree on when the fight is actually happening. And before anything moves forward, Joshua still has one dangerous hurdle standing in his way.

That hurdle is his upcoming fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25.

The entire Fury showdown now depends on Joshua winning that fight first.

Fans have waited years to see these two heavyweight stars finally meet in the ring. Every time talks seemed close, something went wrong. But now, the excitement is building again after Fury returned to the ring earlier this month.

Fury picked up a decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, marking his first victory since 2023. Right after the fight, he wasted no time calling out Joshua, who was sitting ringside watching everything unfold.

That moment instantly reignited the buzz around the biggest fight in British boxing.

For Joshua, the road back has not been easy.

The former heavyweight champion stepped away for a period after a heartbreaking tragedy in Nigeria. A fatal car crash reportedly claimed the lives of two of his close friends, leaving Joshua dealing with deep personal pain away from boxing.

Many fans wondered what he would do next.

But Joshua later confirmed he would continue his boxing career. And almost immediately, attention turned back to Tyson Fury.

Now the first piece of that comeback is officially set.

Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25. If he comes through that fight safely, the Fury mega-fight is expected to follow soon after.

At least, that is the current plan.

Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, sounded extremely confident while speaking about the long-awaited showdown. According to Hearn, everything from Joshua’s side has already been completed.

He said the plan is for Joshua to return in July against Prenga and then face Fury in November if all goes well.

Hearn even called it “the biggest fight in the history of British boxing.”

That statement alone got fans talking everywhere online.

But then another twist appeared.

Over on Fury’s side, promoter Frank Warren gave a slightly different timeline. He also confirmed the fight agreement is signed but suggested the fight could happen in October instead of November.

At first glance, that may not seem like a huge problem.

But in boxing, small date differences often mean major details are still being worked out behind the scenes. Final agreements about venues, schedules, promotion, and Fury’s own plans still need to be sorted before fans can fully celebrate.

That uncertainty has left many supporters nervous.

Some fans are excited because both camps are finally publicly agreeing the fight is happening. Others are staying cautious after years of disappointment and failed negotiations between the two heavyweight stars.

Still, this feels different.

For the first time in a long while, both sides sound serious. The contracts reportedly exist. The comeback fights are lined up. And the pressure from fans keeps growing bigger every day.

Now everything comes down to July 25.

If Joshua defeats Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, the boxing world could finally get the fight it has wanted for years. But until that happens, nothing is guaranteed.

And with Fury waiting on the other side, the tension is only getting bigger.

One victory could finally unlock the heavyweight showdown fans thought might never happen.