A potential all-British heavyweight blockbuster moved back into the spotlight this week after Robert Garcia backed Anthony Joshua as a real threat to Tyson Fury, saying Joshua can score a knockout if he enters the fight in the right mental state. The long-discussed showdown is reportedly agreed for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Garcia, who previously worked with Joshua, argued that the former unified heavyweight champion has the skill set and punching power to end the fight suddenly if everything is aligned on fight night.
"If AJ comes into the fight in the right psychological condition, he has enough ability and destructive power to win," Garcia said. "He can knock Fury out with one accurate right hand. But for that to happen, Joshua has to be 100 percent ready — mentally and physically. Physically, he’s almost always in ideal shape."
Garcia also praised Joshua’s discipline in the gym, pointing to the commitment he saw firsthand during their time together.
"He always worked extremely hard in training. In the months we worked together, Anthony showed real dedication," Garcia said.
At the same time, Garcia made clear that Fury remains one of the most unpredictable and dangerous opponents in the division. He described Fury’s awkward style and unconventional mentality as major reasons he is so difficult to deal with.
"Fury is a street guy. Basically, he doesn’t care. He can come into the ring overweight, look heavy, even fat, and still put on a great performance," Garcia said.
Garcia’s key tactical point centered on Joshua’s right hand, which he believes could be the deciding weapon if it lands clean.
"If Joshua lands that right hand, he’ll knock him out cold. Fury gets caught by the right hand pretty often," the American trainer added.
If the fight finally happens, it would be one of the biggest events the heavyweight division can make, with the winner likely reclaiming a central place in the title picture and the loser facing even more questions about what comes next.