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Tyson Fury has stated his intention to fight long-term rival Anthony Joshua following his heavyweight comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday. The 37-year-old will face the Russian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in his first bout in 16 months, marking his return from a fifth retirement. Although a match between the two British stars has been delayed for years, there is fresh optimism that they could finally meet later in 2026.
"If it happens, great, if it doesn't happen, also great," Fury said. "I've got Arslanbek Makhmudov to think of on Saturday night, but all going well Joshua is the fight I want next."
Joshua, 36, last fought in December, stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round of a sanctioned professional contest.
A bout with Fury was reportedly in the works following that victory, but plans were halted after Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria late last year which claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
With Joshua expected to be ringside in north London on Saturday, promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested the Watford-born fighter is nearing a return to training. Despite both men being into the twilight of their careers, Fury remains unfazed by Joshua's recent activity.
"I know he just had his fight with Jake Paul, whatever... a fight's a fight really," Fury said. "So yeah, I'll be ready for that straight away after this."
Fury and Joshua are both two-time world champions and have led the way for British boxing on the global stage for the best part of a decade. But although a fight between them would still carry significant commercial weight, for many purists it will come far too late.
Despite the talk of Joshua, Fury faces a decent test in Makhmudov, who has 19 knockouts within the first three rounds and is considered one of the world's most avoided heavyweights.
