The much-discussed showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is reportedly set to finally take place in 2026, with the blockbuster clash being lined up as part of the Riyadh Season.

According to multiple reports, including the Press Association, although nothing has been finalised, there is growing confidence that the fight will happen, with both camps working towards making it a reality next year.

Anthony Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, will face a former YouTube star in an eight-round, sanctioned professional contest in Miami on Friday, December 19, as he looks to regain momentum following recent setbacks.

Fury appeared to fuel speculation of a comeback this week by posting a cryptic message hinting at a return in 2026.

“The king must return to his throne,” the former WBC champion wrote, despite having announced his retirement following successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

Further momentum was added by a report from The Ring Magazine, which stated that Fury is set to come out of retirement and that a long-anticipated clash with Joshua will headline a major Riyadh Season event in 2026.

Fury has not fought since December 2024, when he lost a rematch to Usyk, a defeat that prompted his second retirement announcement. Joshua, meanwhile, is aiming to get his career back on track after suffering a fifth-round knockout loss to former IBF champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

Joshua and Fury have never shared the ring, having come closest in 2021 when talks collapsed over what would have been a fight for the undisputed heavyweight title.

Speaking to talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren expressed his desire to see the bout finally materialise. (BusinessDay)