Anthony Joshua aims for Tyson Fury fight but says victory is what matters

Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has made it clear that signing a long-awaited fight agreement with Tyson Fury means little unless he wins when they finally meet. This fight promises to be one of the biggest in British boxing history.

After years of failed talks and near misses, a deal is finally done for the anticipated “Battle of Britain.” Joshua and Fury are expected to face off later this year, likely in November.

But Joshua is not getting too excited about the event. He insists his focus is on winning fights, not just celebrating contracts.
“I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory,” Joshua said on Monday.
“Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Winning is the only true success.”

Next Stop: Saudi Arabia

Before he turns his focus to Fury, Joshua has a fight to prepare for in Saudi Arabia. He is set to face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on July 25. Originally planned for Riyadh, the bout has now been moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city. This change was confirmed during the fighters’ press conference face-off.

This fight will mark Joshua’s first appearance in the ring since a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December. The accident claimed the lives of two of his close friends. For Joshua, this fight could be the start of a new chapter in his career.

Fury's Comeback

While Joshua prepares for Prenga, Fury is also getting ready for his own comeback fight. The former heavyweight champion recently shared training footage from Thailand. He wrote: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland.”

The 37-year-old is expected to fight on a card being put together by veteran promoter Frank Warren in Dublin, but his opponent is not officially announced yet.
One name ruled out is former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr., who shocked Joshua in 2019 before losing their rematch that same year.

If both Joshua and Fury win their upcoming fights, boxing fans will finally see the showdown they have been waiting for.

Joshua’s Purpose and Redemption

The former Olympic champion says boxing is more than just a sport for him. It is his job and his way to reclaim his spot at the top of the heavyweight division. Joshua has not faced a top opponent since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. This loss sparked calls for him to rebuild before chasing another title shot.

With a potential fight against Fury and another title shot on the way, Joshua believes he has a clear path ahead.
“What does boxing give me? It gives me an opportunity to work,” he said.
“I’m a contractor, this is a contract, this is my job, so I’ve got an opportunity to work.
“You have to put a road map in front of a fighter and show them what is point one, point two, point three. It gives purpose and focus. I know what my year looks like.”

Joshua outlined his goals for the coming months. He emphasized that every fight is part of a bigger plan.
“Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship.
“It ain’t about looking past anyone, it’s just knowing your purpose and knowing your steps forward and moving up the ladder.”

Facing Tough Challenges

Joshua knows there are challenges ahead but feels he can handle what might be a tough year. “I’ve got a clear goal, I know what this year is about, I know how tough this year is going to be. “I’m definitely the man for the job. I’m looking forward to the challenges.”

The 36-year-old also mentioned that his preparations are going well. He is eager to get back to full training after his media commitments.
“You know I’ve been training hard, that’s my life,” Joshua said.
“I’m just gonna tune back in to my focus tomorrow when I go back to my training camp because obviously we’ve stepped out of training to be with the media.
“Then we spend some time with our families before we go away.
“Then we take ourselves to another place physically and spiritually, and on July 25 in Jeddah, the best man will win.”

For Joshua, the journey back to heavyweight glory starts in Saudi Arabia. After that, he hopes for the fight boxing fans have wanted for years, a showdown with Tyson Fury that could define his legacy.