Anthony Joshua breaks silence on Tyson Fury fight rumours – after reports claimed a blockbuster British showdown had been agreed for 2025

Anthony Joshua has spoken for the first time since rumours circulated that he was set to fight Tyson Fury in 2025. 

The two British heavyweights have shared a long-running and bitter rivalry over the years, with constant speculation at times that a highly-anticipated fight between them will finally take place.

Yet, despite strong public support for a bout and significant conjecture and negotiations, a showdown has never materialised.

However, earlier this week, rumours circulated on social media that a fight had finally  been agreed between Joshua and Fury in what would be dubbed as ‘The Battle of Britain’ and arguably the biggest fight in British boxing history, with a date set for April 26 at Wembley.

And, while nothing has been confirmed, speaking on Thursday, Joshua gave credence to the speculation by outlining his plan for the year ahead. 

‘2025, I am targeting Tyson Fury,’ the 35-year-old explained during a trip to meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. 

Joshua’s last fight came in September when he faced rising prospect Daniel Dubois in a bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. 

Ultimately though Dubois would hand AJ the fourth defeat of his professional career by stopping him in the fifth round and defending his IBF title in the process.

Joshua had been expected to rematch Dubois in early 2025 before he was convinced to recover from injuries and seek a return later in the year.

And, during his time in Africa, Joshua also reflected on the defeat to his fellow Brit, insisting he was now more determined than ever.

‘(It) Makes me hungry, makes me want to work harder,’ he added. ‘Time is of the essence, time is limited, so I just want to put in more work.

‘When I look back, I believe I could have done more in 2024. I have another chance in 2025 to do more and I am going to make sure I take every opportunity that comes my way.

‘I should have won but I didn’t and I am going to go again. My life is up and down so I have to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave.

‘I can’t stop now. I have to keep going until I reach my destination.’

Meanwhile, speaking to Sky Sports after Fury’s unanimous decision defeat to Usyk, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, had said: ‘It’s definitely the only fight for Fury and other than the Dubois rematch, it’s obviously the only fight for AJ.

‘Has there ever been a better time? They’re both coming off defeats, both on the back end of their careers.

‘One in Wembley, one in Riyadh, two fights in 2025.’

Then, speaking on Monday, Hearn further outlined Joshua’s plans for the coming 12 months.

Asked when fans can expect AJ’s return to the ring, Hearn revealed plans are tentatively in place.

‘In May or June,’ Hearn told iFL TV. ‘He’s not in full training yet. He’s probably ready to resume training in January.’

‘At the moment, you’ve got the Dubois fight on February 22nd. And you’ve got to see what Fury wants to do. We’re not in a terrible rush. AJ will fight twice in 2025. Once in the summer and once in the winter.

‘If we can’t make the Dubois fight and if Fury doesn’t want to fight, then you have to make the decision to fight somebody, or do you wait for those fights?

‘I can’t speak on behalf of AJ, for who he’s prepared to fight. But what I know is the focus is Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury.

‘Of course, Joshua’s done it all. If he gets Fury on his resume, he’s boxed virtually everybody of his era.’