The long-rumoured showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua may finally be edging closer, with promoter Frank Warren confident the all-British heavyweight blockbuster could take place next summer.
Momentum has increased following Joshua’s latest victory and Fury’s repeated hints that a return to the ring remains possible.
Joshua recently boosted his profile with a sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami, a bout that reportedly attracted 33 million viewers on Netflix.
After the fight, Joshua wasted no time in calling out Fury and pushing for a long-awaited meeting between the two rivals.
Fury, however, is currently on holiday with his family as he weighs his future.
Frank Warren has poured cold water on the idea of an immediate clash, stressing that a February fight is unrealistic. Joshua already has a contest lined up in Riyadh early next year, while Fury has been inactive for several months and would not be ready to return so soon.
According to Warren, Fury’s extended break and current time away from training rule out a quick comeback.
In discussions with The Sun, Warren explained that a summer or early autumn date is the most realistic option.
He identified Wembley Stadium or Riyadh as the only venues capable of hosting a fight of such magnitude, noting that Wembley would naturally mean waiting until the warmer months.
He also made it clear that Fury would not remain inactive for seven months and is likely to take a tune-up bout before facing Joshua.
Warren added that Fury has no interest in taking part in novelty fights against YouTubers.
Joshua is reportedly being linked with a crossover bout against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven for his February appearance in Saudi Arabia. Fury, on the other hand, could make his return as early as April in a preparatory fight.
Fury officially announced his retirement in January following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Warren revealed that he has since spoken with the former world champion and said Fury remains open to a comeback if the right conditions are met. Despite not being in full training, Fury is said to be keeping fit and staying active.
Warren also commented on Joshua’s victory over Paul, stating that the outcome was entirely predictable, with the more powerful and experienced boxer dominating an opponent with far less ring time.
When comparing the two heavyweights, Warren noted that Fury’s losses to Usyk were extremely tight contests, while pointing to Joshua’s recent defeat to Daniel Dubois, during which Joshua was dropped multiple times.
