“Come to Saudi July 25th, I’ll welcome you in the ring if you’re serious. Now I know the fight’s signed, he’s more than welcome to step in the ring,” Joshua said on social media, inviting Fury to enter the ring after his tune-up against Prenga.
Joshua’s invitation comes just three months after he declined an opportunity to do the same thing himself.
Following Fury’s 12-round unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Fury invited Joshua into the ring for a face-off. Joshua opted against taking part and left without engaging in the confrontation. Now the roles have been reversed.
With Joshua preparing to face Prenga and his fight with Fury reportedly locked in for later this year, it is Joshua extending the invitation. Rather than entering Fury’s ring, Joshua wants Fury to step into his after the July 25 contest.
Before that can happen, Joshua must first get past Prenga, who has been selected as the opponent for his first appearance since stopping Jake Paul in March. The Albanian heavyweight enters the bout with a 20-1 record and has built his reputation on his punching power.
The Fury fight has been one of boxing’s most discussed matchups for years. Negotiations fell apart on multiple occasions during both men’s championship reigns, leaving fans frustrated as opportunities came and went.
That appears to have changed. Fury returned from retirement in April with a points win over Makhmudov, while Joshua’s Saudi Arabia appearance is being positioned as the final step before their long-awaited meeting.
If both men come through the remainder of the year without losses, the first Joshua-Fury clash could finally become a reality before the end of 2026.
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