A two-fight roadmap is beginning to take shape for Anthony Joshua, with promoter Eddie Hearn targeting a July return and a possible November clash with Tyson Fury. Hearn outlined the plan in comments to The Ring, framing it as the preferred path for the former heavyweight champion heading into 2026.
Beyond the obvious commercial appeal, a Joshua-Fury fight would finally bring together two defining British heavyweights of their era in a matchup that has lingered over the division for years without crossing the finish line. For American fans, it is the kind of event that would still command major global interest even without a title attached, simply because of the names involved and the unresolved legacy questions around both men.
Hearn said the ideal scenario starts with Joshua headlining a July card against a credible opponent, mentioning Arslanbek Makhmudov as the level of opponent under consideration. From there, the focus would shift immediately to Fury in November.
Hearn also made clear that Joshua’s team remains open to a fight with Deontay Wilder, but suggested that the current momentum is behind Fury instead. In his view, Netflix and Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh are more focused on making Joshua vs. Fury, while a Wilder fight is seen as the riskier alternative.
The stakes are obvious. If Joshua beats Fury, he would put himself right back in the heavyweight title picture and strengthen his case as more than just a crossover attraction. If Fury wins, he would reassert himself in the elite tier and likely shut the door on years of debate about how he matches up with Joshua at this stage of their careers.
Hearn went even further, saying he believes Joshua would knock Fury out and then continue his career with another run at the heavyweight championship.
Joshua last fought in December of last year, when he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round. The next move now is whether that July return gets finalized, because if it does, the long-discussed Fury fight may finally have a real runway.