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08 January 2025

Promoters Say Joshua-Fury Match Could Happen Soon

After recent defeats, both fighters face pivotal decisions about their futures.

The boxing world is buzzing with the possibility of a long-awaited clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, as promoter Eddie Hearn declares the path is clear for the fight—provided Fury is willing to step back inside the ring. Fans have yearned for this heavyweight showdown for years, and now, amid both fighters coming off recent losses, the narrative grows more compelling.

Joshua is on the rebound after suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley stadium, and Fury faces his own hurdles following his rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month. These setbacks have cast shadows over the enthusiasm for their potential bout, yet the prospect of their faces meeting—especially now, without championship belts at stake—remains electrifying.

Coming off the losses, Joshua has emphatically stated his desire to fight Fury, making it clear he is ready to re-engage the boxing narrative. Fury, on the other hand, is contemplating his future within the sport after the difficult defeat. Hearn voiced confidence about the match, emphasizing: "It’s the fight everyone wants. Tell me a bigger fight? There isn’t one,” he exclaimed during his appearance on The Stomping Ground YouTube channel.

Though Hearn acknowledges the deep-seated desire for this matchup, he also notes it’s too early to pester Fury and his team about resuming negotiations. "He lost on December 21, so give him a few weeks to chill out," Hearn continued, indicating respect for Fury's time to process and decide his future. Notably, both Hearn and Warren, Fury’s promoter, have been cautious to avoid applying pressure. Warren recently stated, "I will not be picking up the phone and asking Tyson Fury to fight again," highlighting his focus on Fury’s personal happiness over promotional urgencies.

Warren added he would only discuss Joshua should Fury express interest first, illustrating the layered dynamics influencing this fight’s potential realization. The boxing community has been abuzz with conversations, and yet the actual discussions around the Joshua-Fury match have not yet taken place. This anticipation hangs upon the future choices of Fury as he weighs what to do next.

The stakes feel higher than ever, as both fighters are no longer the undefeated titans they once were. Some analysts question whether the fight still holds its former luster when neither fighter has gold titles to show; still, the draw remains strong. Industry insiders have pointed to Saudi Arabia as the likely venue, highlighting the region's reputation for high-profile boxing events.

This potential bout carries meaningful financial ramifications as well. Joshua and Fury possess massive followings, and fans would flood stadiums and pay-per-view screens alike. The allure of the two boxing powerhouses facing off—each driven by their own storylines and rivalries—would transcend traditional title bouts, encouraging financial commitments and fan engagement.

With Joshua seeking redemption and Fury considering his next path, this half-open chapter could lead to one of boxing's most electrifying events. Would fans flock to see Joshua assert his dominance after recent struggles? Can Fury rebuff jeers of retirement to claim victory over his British competitor? Possible only time will tell, but the industry-centric momentum is palpable.

Hearn pointedly remarked about future conversations surrounding this anticipated showdown: "Sooner or later, we will want to put a plan together for Anthony Joshua." He hinted at eventual meetings with Fury’s promotional team and key stakeholders to broach the idea seriously. The boxing world will certainly keep dialed-in for updates and potential developments as the scene continues to shift around these two titans.

While the fight is not imminent, both promoters tread carefully. Warren insists he's not pressing Fury, saying, "If opportunities come my way for him they will be passed on." The respect for each fighter's personal life and decision-making style emphasizes the delicate balance they must navigate as the public eagerly awaits the outcome.

Fans remain hopeful, though, rallying around the idea of Joshua vs. Fury being not just iconic but potentially history-defining. Despite no definitive date or venue set, the boxing community continues to advocate for this clash of champions, generating enthusiasm even amid uncertainty. Each week stirs fresh conversations, and as both fighters recover and reassess, the boxing infrastructure remains primed for the prospect of one of the biggest matches of all time—if they choose to step up together and embrace it.

What remains clear is the relentless spirit of competition, the enthusiasm of boxing aficionados, and the enduring legacy of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The fight is desired and awaited; whether this desire translates to reality is yet to be determined.