Hearn confirms talks for Fury-Joshua blockbuster in 2026

Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that discussions are progressing for a long-awaited showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury, potentially set for 2026.

Fury, who has not fought in 2025, has signalled his intention to return to the ring next year, news that Hearn says has reignited hopes of finally delivering one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

“It’s exactly what everybody wanted to hear,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

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“The thing AJ wants more than anything is to fight Tyson Fury. That is the biggest fight in the sport… I’m hopeful. The only thing that comes close for Joshua is winning the world heavyweight championship again, which remains a huge motivation for him.”

According to Hearn, the proposed Fury fight would likely take place in the summer of 2026, with Joshua expected to have one or two bouts beforehand to stay sharp.

“The plan’s very important,” Hearn emphasised. “We need to make sure AJ is 110 per cent confident and ready to beat Tyson Fury.

“That means building the right schedule to ensure he’s in the best possible shape for what I believe will be the biggest moment of his career.”

Hearn suggested any late-2025 fight for Joshua would serve as a tune-up rather than a major challenge. “If he fights this year, it’ll be a pure run-out — not a top-15 guy,” he said.

“He’s either going to have two fights before Fury, if that deal gets made, or one fight in February. We haven’t fully decided yet, but he’s keen to stay active.”