The highly anticipated heavyweight clash between two-time world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua hangs precariously on the outcome of Joshua’s upcoming warm-up bout, according to Fury’s promoter Frank Warren

The long-awaited fight, for which both men have already signed a deal, could be “killed” if Joshua fails to overcome his next opponent.

Joshua, 36, is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia. This fight is a mandatory precursor to the blockbuster showdown with Fury, and its result carries immense weight for the future of British boxing’s biggest potential event.

“If he loses to this guy, it kills the fight,” Frank Warren, head of Queensberry Promotions, told BBC Sport, underscoring the high stakes involved for Joshua.

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Fury’s activity and future options

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury, 37, remains keen to stay active. He recently returned to the ring after a 15-month lay-off, securing a points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London on April 11. Warren indicated that Fury could take an interim fight before stepping in against Joshua, reflecting the “Gypsy King’s” desire to maintain his rhythm and focus.

Beyond the Joshua fight, Fury has also expressed a strong interest in a rematch with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Warren acknowledged this, stating, “Tyson has made it very plain he’d like to fight Usyk again, so maybe that could be an option.”

The big fight: timing, location, and legacy

Should Joshua navigate his July challenge successfully, the showdown with Fury is tentatively slated for “late October” at the earliest. The colossal event is being funded by Saudi Arabia, a growing hub for major boxing spectacles.

For Fury, the bout against Joshua is expected to yield a career-high payday, surpassing the reported £80 million he earned against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. The financial rewards are immense, but so are the stakes for their respective legacies. Warren believes the loser of a Fury-Joshua bout could retire, or even both fighters might step away after the one-fight deal.

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Regarding the venue, Warren has a clear preference for the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. “That’s where everybody would like to see the fight. It’s the national stadium – that is where it belongs. We’ve had some great nights there in the past and that makes a lot of sense,” he said.

Sources: www.bbc.com

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