Boxing fans, brace yourselves,because the never-ending saga of Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua is back in the headlines, and this time, the hype machine is in overdrive. According to Fury’s promoter Frank Warren, the so-called “Gypsy King” is suddenly open to stepping back into the ring for a mega-fight with Joshua, a matchup that’s been teased, delayed, and speculated about for years. The latest? Talks are “moving in a positive direction” for a possible fight in late summer 2026. Yes, you read that right,2026.

Warren, ever the showman, told Sky Sports News that discussions are underway to finally make this British heavyweight fantasy a reality. “There’s been some talks going on, there’s nothing been signed yet, but Tyson’s indicated if it’s the right deal, he’ll definitely do it,” Warren said, dangling the carrot in front of fans yet again. “I think it’s going in the right direction and hopefully we’ll get some news pretty soon as to what’s going to happen.” 

Despite years of failed negotiations and endless rumors, Warren is now “confident” the fight will happen. He claims, “I do believe it will happen.” But let’s be real,how many times have we heard this before? The Fury-Joshua matchup has been boxing’s favorite “what if” for ages, with fans and pundits whipped into a frenzy every time someone so much as mentions it. Yet, here we are, still waiting.

Adding fuel to the fire, The Ring Magazine,owned by Turki Alalshikh, the man behind Riyadh Season,reports that the fight could be the centerpiece of next year’s festivities. Both Fury and Joshua are apparently being lined up for separate bouts as part of the event, which, of course, has only intensified the speculation. But is this just another publicity stunt, or is something actually happening this time?

Let’s not forget the recent history: Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since his loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, and is now set to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami. Meanwhile, Fury announced his retirement after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, but according to Warren, he’s “in the gym full-time training very hard.” Because nothing says “retirement” like gearing up for another payday.

Warren insists Fury is in “great nick” and eager to return, provided the money is right. “And 2026 I believe, provided the deal’s right, I think you’ll see him back in the ring again,” Warren said, making it clear that this is all about the numbers.

But don’t get too excited,Warren also hinted that Fury might need a warm-up fight before taking on Joshua, since he’s been out of action for a while. “He may have a warm-up fight but if this fight happens,which I believe it will,it will be sometime in late summer. So that’s another seven months away, so he’ll certainly have a fight in between I think if he comes back.” In other words, more delays, more build-up, and more opportunities to keep the hype alive.

The anticipation for Fury vs. Joshua has reached fever pitch,again. Fans have been debating who would win for years, and Warren is only too happy to stoke the flames. “The fans have been asking for this, and everybody has been talking about it, for years and years and years,” he said. “It’s better that if it’s going to happen it happens now rather than these guys come back and talk about doing it in five or six years’ time.”

Warren calls it the fight “everyone in the boxing world wants to see,” and claims, “It will happen. I think it will happen and when it does happen I think it’s going to be massive.” But with no contracts signed and nothing official, it’s hard not to see this as just another round of media hype and empty promises.