Tyson Fury has “indicated” he would return to fight Anthony Joshua if it was the “right deal”, his promoter Frank Warren has confirmed.
Warren confirmed that negotiations were underway for the long-awaited fight, which would take place “sometime in the late summer” of 2026.
Warren told Sky Sports News: “There’s been some negotiations and nothing has been signed yet, but Tyson has said if it’s the right deal he’s definitely going to do it.”
“I think we’re moving in the right direction and I hope we’ll have news soon about what’s going to happen.”
“I believe it will happen,” Warren added.
Sky Sports News understands that Joshua’s promotional team, Matchroom Boxing, also “would like to do the fight and have always done so”.
A match between Joshua and Fury, two of the greatest heavyweights of their generation and two of the greatest British heavyweights of all time, has been discussed for years but never materialized.
However, Ring magazine, owned by Riyadh season manager Turki Alarcik, reported last week that the bout is being prepared for next year.
The newspaper also reported that both fighters are scheduled to compete in separate bouts in 2026 as part of the Riyadh season.
Joshua, 36, who hasn’t fought since a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, returns to action this Friday against Jake Paul in Miami. Fury, 37, announced his retirement from boxing earlier this year after losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.
“AJ will be fighting Jake Paul this week, but there is talk of him fighting again in early 2026,” Warren said.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn shares his thoughts on Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul’s next heavyweight bout and believes a big upset by Paul could spell the end of boxing
“Tyson has been out for a while. He might have a warm-up fight, but if this fight happens – which I believe it will – it will be towards the end of the summer.
“So we have seven months left, so if he comes back there will definitely be games in that time.”
Fury vs. Joshua ‘will be massive’
Regarding Fury’s current condition, Warren said: “He’s been training hard in the gym full-time.
“He’s in great shape, he’s looking great and he’s said many times himself that he wants to come back and fight again.
“And in 2026, if the deal is right, I think we’ll see him back in the ring.”
The Queensberry Promotions founder said this is a fight that fans have been asking for for years.
“The fans have been asking for this and everyone has been talking about it for years and years,” Warren said.
“If it’s going to happen, it’s better for it to happen now than for them to come back and talk about doing it in five or six years.
“Everyone I talk to about boxing, this is what I always say: ‘When are these two going to fight? Are they ever going to fight? We couldn’t see it.’
“It’s going to happen. I think it’s going to happen, and when it does, I think it’s going to be massive.”
Joshua must be “too much” for Paul
Warren also spoke out about Joshua facing YouTuber-turned-pro boxer Paul in an interview with Sky Sports this week.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidalian is backing her business partner Jake Paul to pull off an upset in his upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua.
When asked if it could be a banana peel for Joshua making his return, Warren replied: “Yeah, if it were to happen, he wouldn’t be fighting Tyson Fury, that’s for sure.”
“Jake Paul has fought 12 fights. He’s never fought at this level, he’s never fought at this weight at heavyweight, and he’s fighting a two-time world champion and former Olympic gold medalist who is still ranked in the top 10 despite his loss to Daniel Dubois and overall loss.
“He should have too much going for Jake Paul, and if he can’t beat Jake Paul, we shouldn’t even be talking about him fighting Tyson Fury.
“If you’re going to lose to Jake, you shouldn’t fight Tyson Fury who’s 60 years old.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jake Paul called for a fight against Tyson Fury in 2026 at a press conference ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua. Credit: MVP/Netflix
Regarding Paul facing former heavyweight champion Joshua, Warren said: “It’s dangerous. He’s fought 12 times.
“He’s with a guy who has been a world champion. Look at what he did against Ngannou, an MMA fighter, he knocked him out completely.
“This is a big risk for Jake. Some have complained about opponents in the past, but you can’t complain this time. He’s gone from one extreme to another. This is a tough, tough fight for Jake. He’s going to be the big underdog.”
“Unless he catches him with a huge punch and flips him over, I have no idea how he’s going to win.”
