Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Will the Super-Fight Finally Happen?

The long-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is a tantalising prospect for boxing fans, a contest that has been talked about for years but remains elusive. Promoter Eddie Hearn has reignited hope for the bout, but also set a timeline. According to Hearn, the fight “definitely” needs to happen by the end of 2025, or it will likely never take place. With both fighters approaching the twilight of their careers, it’s a race against time to make the biggest fight in British boxing history a reality.

Decade-Long Build-Up

The potential for a Joshua vs Fury showdown has been brewing for years. Both fighters are generational talents, dominating the heavyweight scene and capturing the imagination of boxing fans across the globe. However, negotiations have continually stalled, and the fight has remained just out of reach.

At 34, Joshua is preparing for a key bout against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, while Fury, 36, is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch this December. Hearn believes that the outcome of these two fights will be crucial in determining the magnitude of a future Joshua vs Fury bout. “I do think AJ-Fury will happen regardless of whether Fury wins or not, but the size of the fight depends on their next two results,” Hearn told BBC Sport.

Both Joshua and Fury have expressed interest in fighting each other, but time is running out. As Joshua said in June, “We’re both getting older, we need to do this while we’re still fresh.” His message was clear: the time for waiting is over, and the fight must happen soon, or not at all.

Stakes Have Never Been Higher

What makes the potential Joshua vs Fury bout so appealing is not just the calibre of the fighters but the stakes involved. Fury holds the WBC belt, while Joshua is fighting to reclaim a world title, having lost twice to Usyk. If both Joshua and Fury emerge victorious in their upcoming matches, the fight will likely be for the undisputed heavyweight crown, unifying all the belts. As Hearn puts it, “If AJ beats Dubois and Fury beats Usyk, you’ve got the biggest fight in the history of the sport ever.”

Even if one fighter loses, the bout remains a blockbuster event. Hearn is quick to point out that, regardless of the result, a Joshua vs Fury fight is still a “monster fight.” With heavyweight boxing thriving and substantial investment from Saudi Arabia, the financial and global appeal of this fight is undeniable. It could well break records in terms of viewership, attendance, and revenue.

Joshua’s Journey Back to the Top

Joshua’s path to this point has been anything but easy. After back-to-back defeats to Usyk, many questioned whether Joshua would return to his best. His emotional breakdown following the second loss showed the toll the defeats had taken. Yet, since then, Joshua has rebuilt himself, stringing together four consecutive wins and once again positioning himself as a title contender.

Hearn believes Joshua’s comeback is remarkable and puts him in elite company. “If he beats Dubois, he will emulate greats like Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko, and Evander Holyfield by becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.” For Joshua, it’s not just about winning belts; it’s about securing his legacy.

What’s also clear is that Joshua has transcended boxing in ways few fighters have. His ability to sell out stadiums, including the upcoming fight at Wembley, is testament to his star power. After Saturday’s fight, nearly half a million people will have watched Joshua headline in UK stadium fights, a feat that has changed the landscape of boxing. “Whatever you think of his boxing ability,” Hearn remarks, “he has transcended the sport, changed boxing by opening up stadium fights as part of the norm.”

Can Dubois Handle the Pressure?

Standing in Joshua’s way is Daniel Dubois, a young and hungry fighter looking to make his mark on the heavyweight division. At 27, Dubois is making the first defence of the IBF belt he won after being upgraded to full world champion status. Although he has fought on big stages before, including his clash with Usyk in front of 40,000 fans in Poland, Wembley is a different beast.

As Hearn explains, “It takes a specific kind of individual to handle the pressure of topping a Wembley Stadium bill.” Joshua has done it multiple times, but for Dubois, it will be a new experience. Whether he can withstand the intensity of the occasion remains to be seen. But for Joshua, this is “bread and butter,” and his hunger to reclaim the heavyweight crown remains undiminished. “Forget the money in the bank,” Hearn emphasises, “he badly wants to become world champion again.”

Our View – Fight-Fever Analysis

The prospect of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury finally squaring off is a dream match-up. Both fighters have defined an era in heavyweight boxing, and the chance to see them clash is something fans have been waiting for. The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Joshua, it’s about redemption and cementing his legacy as one of the greats. For Fury, it’s about proving he’s the best heavyweight of his generation.

The challenge, of course, is timing. As much as fans want to see the fight, the reality is that both men are approaching the latter stages of their careers. Fury’s unpredictable nature and Joshua’s gruelling comeback from defeats have made this fight feel almost mythical. But with Hearn setting a deadline of 2025, the hope is that this bout will finally materialise.

In the end, this fight is not just about belts or bragging rights; it’s about legacy. Whoever wins will not only go down as the best heavyweight of their generation but will also secure a place in the pantheon of boxing greats. For fans, the countdown is on, and the excitement is palpable.