Joshua signs deal to fight Fury, says Hearn

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed an agreement to face each other in a long-anticipated heavyweight showdown set for November, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed.

Joshua is scheduled to return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh against Kristian Prenga, in what will serve as a key step toward preparing for the high-profile clash later in the year.

The confirmation finalises what is being described as the biggest deal in the history of British boxing. The November bout between the two heavyweight stars is expected to be broadcast on Netflix, underscoring its global commercial significance.

“Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on!” said promoter Eddie Hearn, who described the agreement as the most significant deal of his career.

He added: “The biggest piece of business we’ve ever done, but more importantly the one we’ve always wanted. Biggest year of AJ’s career coming up, the comeback is on!”

Joshua, 36, enters this schedule following a period of recovery and rebuilding after a turbulent spell outside the ring. His upcoming July fight will be his first bout since a December car accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

Reflecting on his return, Joshua said: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and this is the next step on that journey.”

His July opponent, Kristian Prenga, holds a record of 20 knockout victories but has yet to face an opponent at Joshua’s elite level.

Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh previously indicated on social media that the fight agreement had been finalised, writing: “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed.”

Joshua, a former world champion, is also continuing his comeback after previous injuries, including surgery on his elbow and shoulder following a 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois. He has now committed to a multi-fight arrangement in Saudi Arabia, beginning with the July bout.