Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Turki Alalshikh intends to stage a long-awaited showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in 2026 - and that Joshua’s camp has already accepted the deal. Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn said Turki approached him directly about the fight. “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 Alalshikh. He has given us amazing opportunities,” Hearn said. “We have accepted. Is the fight made? No. Because I don’t know where he’s at with Tyson Fury. All I know is he’s yet to fail in delivering a fight.”
Fury hasn’t fought since his December 2024 loss to Oleksandr Usyk, after which he announced his retirement the following month. Once regarded as the lineal heavyweight champion, the 37-year-old “Gypsy King” is now enjoying an estimated $140–$160 million fortune. Turki will have to make a substantial offer to lure him back into the ring - likely in the $150 million range, similar to Canelo Alvarez’s purse for his September fight with Terence Crawford. “It’s Turki Alalshikh’s responsibility to talk to Tyson Fury and try to make the deal,” Hearn noted. “All I can tell you is he told us, ‘I am going to make AJ vs. Tyson Fury. This is your deal. Do you accept?’”
Joshua is expected to fight in February 2026 before facing Fury later in the year, if negotiations progress as planned. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion last fought in September 2024, suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, and is now seeking redemption in what would be one of the most anticipated all-British clashes in recent history. “Next year, we will fight in February, and then we will fight Tyson Fury if Turki delivers on his plans,” Hearn confirmed.
However, opinions are divided on whether the bout will draw global interest. Critics argue that both fighters are past their peaks, with Fury’s recent performances against Usyk and Francis Ngannou described as sluggish and vulnerable. Still, the historical appeal of Joshua vs. Fury remains strong among UK fans.
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