Joshua v Fury ‘agreed’ behind scenes, says reporter

March 16, 2026 Oliver Obel

A long-discussed fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury may be moving closer to becoming reality, according to comments from a veteran boxing reporter.

talkSPORT journalist Gareth A Davies said a potential heavyweight clash between the two British stars has effectively been agreed behind the scenes, although no official announcement has been made by either fighter’s camp.

Fury is currently preparing for a comeback bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov scheduled for April 11, a fight that has been reported as set to stream on Netflix. The former heavyweight champion has not competed since suffering consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, after which he announced his retirement from the sport.

Joshua, meanwhile, has not fought since a December 2025 car crash in Nigeria that reportedly killed two of his close friends. The incident raised questions about whether the former unified champion would return to boxing.

Recent reports suggest Joshua is planning a comeback in 2026 and a long-awaited showdown with Fury could be part of those plans.

Reporter says deal agreed in principle

Speaking to talkSPORT, Davies said negotiations for a Fury–Joshua fight have progressed significantly.

"The Fury-Joshua fight is signed. Okay, it is signed in the background. I've got that on good authority."

When asked who would finance the event, Davies added:

"It's with the big money people. It'll be on Netflix."

Davies later clarified that while the deal may not yet be formally announced, both camps appear interested in making the bout happen.

"Agreed. They are moving towards it, but they both want the fight. It's on the cards and it's going to happen," he told talkSPORT.

A fight between Fury and Joshua has been discussed for years but repeatedly stalled due to contractual issues, title obligations and scheduling conflicts. Even without championship belts on the line, the matchup remains one of the biggest potential events in British boxing.

Possible return opponents for Joshua

Before any clash with Fury could happen, Joshua may first take a return bout later this year.

Boxing King Media reported that Joshua could renew his rivalry with Dillian Whyte when he returns to the ring. Joshua stopped Whyte in their professional meeting in 2015 after losing to him earlier in the amateurs.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has also said he expects the 36-year-old Joshua to fight again in July.

Whyte has not fought since suffering a first-round defeat to Moses Itauma last August. A planned rematch with Joshua previously collapsed after Whyte failed a doping test.

For now, any Fury–Joshua showdown remains unconfirmed. But with Fury preparing to return to the ring and Joshua expected back later this year, the long-awaited all-British heavyweight fight may finally be edging closer.

Sources: talkSPORT, Boxing King Media, Matchroom Boxing