Though Eddie Hearn last week cooled talk about Anthony Joshua’s return, Tyson Fury – readying for his own comeback on April 11 against Arslenbek Makhmudov – has yet again voiced his desire to face Joshua in an all-British showdown.
The pair came closest to sharing a ring in 2021 when a fight between them would have been for all four heavyweight belts. It was supposed to take place in Saudi Arabia, reporters were told a date had been set, only for Deontay Wilder to trigger his contractual right for a third bout with Fury.
Joshua pluckily opted for a fight against Oleksandr Usyk instead. He would lose on points, fall short in the rematch and, after four straight victories, endure a humbling stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024. He returned in December, knocking out Jake Paul in six rounds, before he was involved in a fatal car crash that took the lives of two of his closest friends.
He has recently been seen in Ukraine, training with Usyk, in scenes that triggered plenty of speculation that a comeback, and an eventual bout with Fury, is in the works.
"Of course, if it's a fight to be made, let's get it done. Let me get Makhmudov out the way, and we're on," Fury told Sky Sports when asked about Joshua.
“The biggest fight for me in world boxing and the biggest fight in the world of boxing is me versus AJ. Even today, even after all these years it's still the biggest fight in boxing, it's still the biggest fight."
There is arguably as many hurdles in the way as there has always been, however. Victory for Fury, 37, over Makhmudov is not guaranteed nor is Joshua fighting again, full stop. Eddie Hearn last week told BoxingScene that Joshua is training but no conversations about an actual contest have taken place.
"Good to see the guy back in training camp,” Fury said. “He's obviously had a bit of a tough time lately and all that. So I'll just give him space and whatever he wants to do, he can do.
"The biggest fight for me in world boxing and the biggest fight in the world of boxing is me versus AJ.
"Even today, even after all these years it's still the biggest fight in boxing, it's still the biggest fight."
