The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is finally official after both fighters signed a landmark multi-fight agreement. The domestic rivals are scheduled to clash in the fourth quarter of 2026 in a bout that will be broadcast globally on Netflix, marking a massive shift in the sport’s media landscape.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the news on Monday via social media, stating simply that the deal is signed and "it’s happening." Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn echoed the sentiment, describing the agreement as the biggest piece of business in the history of British boxing.
While a specific date has not been set, November 2026 is the current target for the first meeting. Wembley Stadium remains the frontrunner to host the event, though officials have also mentioned Dublin’s Croke Park as a potential venue. The deal ends years of negotiations and public disputes that had previously prevented the two former champions from meeting in the ring. The agreement serves as a professional comeback for Anthony Joshua, who has faced significant personal hurdles recently. Joshua is currently recovering from a fatal car accident in Nigeria in December 2025 that claimed the lives of two close friends. Before facing Fury, Joshua will return to action on July 25, 2026, in Riyadh against Kristian Prenga in a 12-round bout billed as "The Comeback."
Tyson Fury enters the deal fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this month. Following that win, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, who was watching from ringside. While Joshua declined to enter the ring that night, he later confirmed his commitment to the schedule, telling reporters he remains "the landlord" of the heavyweight division.
Official statements from Matchroom Boxing emphasise the magnitude of the moment. Hearn noted that this is the fight the public has always wanted and represents the pinnacle of both men's careers. The Netflix partnership is expected to bring the fight to a record-breaking digital audience, bypassing traditional pay-per-view models.