Anthony Joshua insists his much-anticipated fight with Tyson Fury “has to happen this year” as he plans his next bout. The clash between the two British heavyweights has been discussed for years but remains unrealized.
Both fighters recently suffered losses in world title matches. Joshua, eager to make a statement, confirmed Fury is the opponent he wants to face next.
“It’s the fight I want because I’m a boxing fan too,” Joshua stated. “In the gym, everyone asks me about this fight. I don’t have many years left, and I want to leave boxing with a bang.”
He added, “It’s up to me to deliver, which is why I’m saying it has to happen this year. I think we can make it work.”
Joshua and Eubank Jr Discuss Rivalries at Awards Event
Joshua shared these thoughts at the Ring Magazine awards in London, where Oleksandr Usyk was also present. Despite his interest in the fight, Joshua admitted there had been no discussions with Fury’s team yet.
Fury recently lost to unified world champion Usyk in December, while Joshua was stopped by IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in September.
Chris Eubank Jr also attended the event alongside his rival Conor Benn. Their fight has been under negotiation since Benn’s anti-doping suspension was lifted in November. While the camps have disagreed over the purse split, Eubank Jr remains optimistic.
“That fight will happen,” Eubank Jr confirmed. “Negotiations are progressing well. We’re smoothing out the final details, and soon the fight will be announced. Big things are coming.”
Both Joshua and Eubank Jr aim to solidify their legacies with these high-profile clashes.