Anthony Joshua has officially agreed to face longtime rival Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, as reported by BBC Sport.
Before that blockbuster clash can happen, Joshua will return to the ring in a comeback bout against Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The fight will mark his first appearance since being involved in a fatal car accident in December.
For over a decade, Joshua and Fury, both two-time heavyweight champions, have been central figures in British boxing’s global rise.
Despite repeated talks and near agreements over the years, a showdown between the pair has never come to fruition, until now.
Hearn confirmed on Monday via social media that the much-anticipated fight was “signed, sealed and delivered”.
“As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain,” Joshua said about the fight.
At 36, Joshua faces a potentially tricky test in Prenga, 35, who holds a record of 20 wins, all by knockout and just one defeat. Joshua’s last outing came in December against Jake Paul.
Later that same month, tragedy struck when Joshua’s driver was involved in a crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his team.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey,” Joshua said.
While the Joshua-Fury fight is now agreed, details regarding the date and venue have yet to be confirmed.
Hearn has previously hinted that the bout could take place in November, potentially on streaming platform Netflix.
Joshua was recently present at Fury’s comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, where Fury called him out immediately after the fight.
The 37-year-old tried to lure Joshua into the ring, but he declined.
Following that encounter, Fury’s camp stated they had already signed their portion of the contract and were awaiting Joshua’s signature.
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off,” Joshua added.
