The dream matchup between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua may still be years away—and that's not what boxing fans want to hear.
For the better part of a decade, the heavyweight division has been ruled by three titans: Fury, Joshua, and Deontay Wilder. While Fury and Wilder delivered an unforgettable three-fight series between 2018 and 2021, the long-awaited clash between Fury and Joshua has remained frustratingly out of reach.
That seemed to change earlier this year. After Fury's decisive unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, news broke that the two British heavyweights would finally meet in the ring during the "fourth quarter of this year." For fans, it felt like the moment had arrived.
But then came the reality check. Last week, Fury's promoter Frank Warren revealed that "The Gypsy King" wants another tune-up fight before stepping in with Joshua. Meanwhile, Joshua—who demolished Jake Paul in a Netflix headliner this past December—already has a warm-up bout scheduled for July against Kristian Prenga.
When both fighters want a prep fight before the main event, the timeline gets murky. And now, Fury's cutman Jamie Sheldon has delivered the kind of news that stings like a clean right hand.
"AJ has another warm-up fight and then fights Fury. Will Tyson also have another warm-up fight to stay active?" Sheldon told Betway. "Then we are talking maybe 10 to 12 months before we see that fight, but let's hope it happens after the next fight and takes place towards the end of the year."
Translation: we might be looking at 2027 before Fury and Joshua finally share a ring. For UK boxing fans who've waited years for this all-British showdown, that's a tough pill to swallow.
Still, Sheldon believes the fight will be a blockbuster whenever it lands. He compared it to the long-awaited Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook showdown—a fight many said came too late, yet still sold out instantly.
"This fight will still sell out any stadium, no matter what, even if there are no titles on the line," Sheldon said. And for a bout between two of the biggest names in heavyweight history, he's probably right.
For now, patience remains the name of the game. But when Fury and Joshua finally do step into the ring, you can bet the world will be watching—and every piece of fight gear will be sold out too.