One of the most disappointing missed opportunities in boxing is the long-awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua showdown—a fight UK fans have been craving for years. Despite multiple negotiations, the all-British heavyweight clash never materialized, with talks repeatedly falling apart. Ultimately, it was Fury who delivered the final blow.

Earlier this year, the former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announced his retirement from the sport, shutting down any possibility of a fight against Joshua. This came after he suffered his second career loss to Oleksandr Usyk last December in Riyadh. Everyone had hoped with Fury’s loss, he would be on a level playing field with Joshua.

Joshua had already suffered three losses to Usyk and Andy Ruiz and got sent to the shadow realm by Daniel Dubois last year at Wembley. So, a fight between Fury and Joshua looked possible, but Fury’s retirement announcement ruined all the hopes. However, it’s not like Fury hasn’t announced retirement before! Back in April 2022, ‘The Gypsy King’ hung up his gloves after defeating Dillian Whyte, but the Brit returned to action in December that year. Regardless, when Joshua was pressed about his thoughts on Fury’s retirement, he said, “Yeah he has. He’s announced it. So yeah he has.” When reminded about his previous retirement announcements, Joshua shared his candid view.

“Has he retired with a possibility of coming back? Yes. Has he retired? Yes,” he said. “Is he gonna fight next month? No. Do you know what I mean?” Joshua was later pressed about his intentions to fight Fury in 2025, and Joshua claimed, “I think it’s probably better to ask Eddie Hearn [Joshua’s promoter].”

Even though Joshua was unsure when a fight against Fury may happen, AJ added hopefully, “I feel like it’s the best fight… Fury commercially is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.” Meanwhile, the man who can make this fight happen has shared his conversation with Tyson Fury.

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh on Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury

Saudi boxing figurehead His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has reignited hopes for a long-awaited showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Despite Fury’s retirement following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Alalshikh believes ‘The Gypsy King’ may return. “I think he maybe will return. I hope so,” he told The Stomping Ground after recently speaking with Fury about his well-being.

While Fury’s promoter Frank Warren insists his fighter is “happily retired,” Alalshikh’s influence in boxing has fueled speculation. Joshua, currently in search of his next opponent, is also considering the winner of now-canceled Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker or a clash with Deontay Wilder. Still, fans continue to hope for the long-anticipated ‘Battle of British Heavyweights.’

That said, it appears despite a flood of enthusiasm among fans about a fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, even the men involved can’t say for certain whether the fight will ever happen. But what do you think?