Joshua's move comes as the boxing world shifts its focus from the recent epic bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Fans now look to the heavyweight division for the next big matchup.
Joshua has a lot to prove after a brutal stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024. He's keeping in shape and might face a tune-up fight in early 2026 before potentially squaring off against Fury later that year.
Fury, technically in 'retirement', waits for the right financial opportunity to return to the ring. A trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk remains a possibility, though nothing's set in stone yet.
The heavyweight landscape continues to evolve. Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will fight for the WBO heavyweight interim title on October 25. This bout came about after Usyk passed on facing Parker, who was the WBO mandatory challenger.
While Joshua and Fury's potential matchup grabs headlines, other high-profile events loom. Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis will face off soon, though many don't see it as a real boxing fight with high stakes.
Plans could change if Usyk and Fury agree to a bout before 2026. For now, Joshua's warning shot signals his intent to reclaim his spot at the top of the heavyweight division.