Anthony Joshua's next fight has been officially confirmed by his promoter, Eddie Hearn, with plans set for February 2026. This announcement comes on the heels of an exciting heavyweight match this weekend against former YouTube star Jake Paul.
This Saturday, all eyes will be on Miami’s Kaseya Centre as Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, steps into the ring to face Paul, who has transitioned from social media fame to professional boxing. The fight has been sanctioned as a professional contest, and reports indicate that both fighters are expected to split a staggering purse of around £140 million. Fans will be able to catch the action exclusively on Netflix, adding to the anticipation surrounding this match.
However, even as the excitement builds for this upcoming bout, the spotlight is already shifting towards Joshua's future, particularly a much-anticipated clash with multiple world heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury. This potential mega-fight has been a topic of speculation, especially following Joshua's last performance in which he suffered a devastating knockout defeat to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024. Many see Joshua's match with Paul as crucial preparation before he makes a return to the upper echelons of heavyweight boxing.
Eddie Hearn confirmed that discussions regarding a fight with Fury are ongoing. In a recent interview with talkSPORT, he emphasized the commitment to making this significant matchup happen, stating, "Next year, we will fight in February and then we will fight Tyson Fury if Turki Al-Sheikh [the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority] delivers on his plans and strategies."
Hearn elaborated on the collaborative approach they are taking, noting, "We spoke with him in London this week. Everything that we do with Anthony Joshua will be in accordance with and under the guidance of Turki Al-Sheikh. He has given us amazing opportunities, and the game plan will be crafted with him."
He further pointed out the crucial role Al-Sheikh plays in negotiations with Fury, saying, "It's Turki Al-Sheikh's responsibility to talk to Tyson Fury and try and make the deal. I can't tell you we're fighting Tyson Fury yet, but Turki has assured us, 'I am going to make AJ vs. Tyson Fury happen. This is your deal. Do you accept?' We have accepted. Is the fight made? No, because I don't know where he stands with Tyson Fury. All I know is he has yet to fail in delivering a fight."
The Press Association has reported a rising sense of optimism that this long-awaited showdown could take place in 2026, likely as part of Riyadh Season, an annual series of sporting and entertainment events hosted in Saudi Arabia's capital.
For context, Joshua, who hails from Watford, has achieved an impressive record with 25 knockout victories, while experiencing just four losses throughout his professional career. Notably, he has faced defeat twice at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, mirroring Fury's own struggles against the Ukrainian fighter.
What do you think about the prospects of Joshua vs. Fury? Are you excited about the upcoming fight with Jake Paul? Let us know your thoughts!
