Tyson Fury’s next fight remains one of boxing’s biggest unanswered questions after Eddie Hearn revealed that he already knows the identity of Fury’s upcoming opponent but is not prepared to make it public. The Matchroom Boxing chairman discussed the situation in an interview that surfaced on social media on June 7, adding another layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division. Fury is expected to return later this year as he works toward a possible blockbuster fight with Anthony Joshua. Hearn’s comments came while discussing Joshua’s scheduled July 25 bout against unbeaten Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga. Although he stopped short of naming Fury’s opponent, Hearn offered insight into the thinking behind the former heavyweight champion’s next move and why a lower-risk fight could make sense at this stage of his career. Eddie Hearn Discusses Tyson Fury’s Next Fight Speculation around Tyson Fury’s next fight has grown in recent weeks, but Hearn made it clear that he would not reveal any details. “I know who he’s fighting. And I’m not going to say because it’s not my…” Hearn said before explaining that the opponent is “not a horrendous” choice. When asked whether Fury’s next opponent would be a tougher challenge than Joshua’s upcoming fight against Kristian Prenga, Hearn was cautious in his response. “I don’t think so, but there’ll be reasons for you to think that he might be,” he said. The comments suggest that Fury’s next fight is unlikely to be against one of the division’s leading contenders. Instead, it appears to be a bout designed to help him regain momentum before pursuing larger opportunities later in the year. Tyson Fury’s Next Fight Could Be a Tune-Up Before Anthony Joshua Eddie Hearn also backed the decision to take a safer fight before stepping into a major heavyweight showdown. “Why would you fight anyone of any threat?” Hearn said. He pointed to Fury’s most recent performance, where the former champion went the full 12 rounds after spending a long period away from the ring. “So I think it’s about him having another fight,” Hearn explained. “I’m not screaming and shouting about it. If that’s what he feels he needs, he’s fighting a guy that he’ll have no fear at all with. It will be absolutely fine.” The approach mirrors Anthony Joshua's path. The former world champion is set to face Prenga on July 25 in a fight widely viewed as a comeback bout. Prenga enters the contest unbeaten and known for his knockout power, but the matchup is seen as a chance for Joshua to stay active and sharpen his form. Heavyweight Division Builds Toward Major Fights Tyson Fury’s return comes at a key moment for the heavyweight division. Reports have linked Fury and Joshua to a potential showdown in Saudi Arabia later this year, a fight that would rank among the biggest events in modern boxing. At the same time, the division continues to evolve. Oleksandr Usyk remains the undisputed heavyweight champion, while younger contenders such as Jared Anderson and Moses Itauma continue to rise through the rankings. For Fury, another victory could provide the ideal platform for a future fight with Joshua. Until an official announcement arrives, fans are left waiting to learn who will stand across the ring from the former champion. As Hearn put it, “I guess we’ll see.”
Credit: Kate Green/Getty Images for Netflix

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua has moved closer to reality, but a final date has not yet been confirmed. The all-British heavyweight clash is now targeted for the last three months of 2026 and is expected to stream live on Netflix. The fight has been in discussion for years, with both fighters taking separate paths in the division.

Recent talks have brought both camps closer to an agreement, but scheduling still depends on upcoming bouts. Anthony Joshua will return first, while Tyson Fury could take another fight to stay active. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that Fury wants to remain focused while waiting for Joshua’s July assignment to pass.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua timeline depends on July fights

The Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua timeline remains linked to Anthony Joshua’s next bout. Joshua, 36, will face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He holds a record of 29 wins and four losses, with 26 knockouts. The fight is part of a new deal in the Middle East and serves as preparation for the expected clash with Fury.

Frank Warren, in an interview, said Fury does not want to stay out of the ring for too long. “Tyson wants to stay active. He needs that focus in his life when it comes to boxing,” Warren said. “Right now, there isn’t a set date, especially with AJ fighting in July, so Tyson might decide to take another fight in the meantime.”

Warren added that early July could be considered for Fury. “July 2 could be an option, but nothing is confirmed,” he said. The timing of both fighters’ schedules will help decide when the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight can take place.

Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua buildup includes a possible tune-up fight

The Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua buildup may include a tune-up fight for Fury before the main event. Warren said Fury wants to face a credible opponent if he returns before meeting Joshua.

“His last opponent was a strong choice for a comeback after a long layoff. Tough, powerful, and dangerous. That’s the kind of challenge Tyson asked for,” Warren said. Fury returned after a break and faced a physically strong opponent, which helped him regain rhythm in the ring.

Warren made it clear that Fury would not look for an easy option. “If he does take an interim fight, it will likely be at a level that suits what he wants rather than stepping down too far,” he said. This approach keeps the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight meaningful, as both fighters aim to enter the bout in active condition.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight set for late 2026 with Netflix deal

The Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua fight is expected to take place in October or November 2026. The event could be held in the United Kingdom or Riyadh, depending on final agreements. Promoters continue to work on venue and date details, but the structure of the deal is already in place.

The fight is expected to be a one-bout agreement. Frank Warren has indicated that the result could influence what comes next for both fighters. Fury enters the planned contest after losses to Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua is looking to build momentum again.

The Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight will stream live on Netflix, giving it global reach. The matchup has been discussed for years and remains one of the biggest events in boxing. With Joshua set to fight in July and Fury possibly returning before then, the schedule is now taking shape as both sides move closer to confirming the final date.

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Dogli Wilberforce is a boxing writer for Sportsnaut, covering fight news, fighter reactions, and major bouts involving the sport’s ... More about Dogli Wilberforce