Anthony Joshua breaks silence on Tyson Fury fight rumours – after reports claimed a blockbuster British showdown had been agreed for 2025

Anthony Joshua has spoken for the first time since rumors swirled that he would fight Tyson Fury in 2025.

The two British heavyweights have shared a long and bitter rivalry over the years, with at times constant speculation that a highly anticipated fight between them would finally take place.

But despite strong public support for a fight and significant conjecture and negotiations, a showdown never took place.

However, earlier this week, rumors circulated on social media that a fight had finally been agreed between Joshua and Fury in what would be dubbed ‘The Battle of Britain’ and perhaps the biggest fight in British boxing history, set for April. 26 at Wembley.

And while nothing has been confirmed yet, Joshua gave credence to the speculation during his speech on Thursday by laying out his plan for the coming year.

“In 2025, I’m targeting Tyson Fury,” the 35-year-old explained during a trip to meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in December and a fight with Joshua was mooted

Joshua hasn’t fought since losing to Daniel Dubois but said he was targeting the Gypsy King

Joshua’s last fight took place in September when he faced Daniel Dubois in an attempt to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.

Ultimately, however, Dubois would hand AJ the fourth defeat of his professional career by stopping him in the fifth round and defending his IBF title in the process.

Joshua was expected to play Dubois again in early 2025, before being convinced to recover from injuries and seek a return later in the year.

And during his time in Africa, Joshua also reflected on the defeat against his compatriot, insisting he was now more determined than ever.

“(It) makes me hungry, makes me want to work harder,” he added. “Time is of the essence, time is limited, so I just want to put more work into it.

“Looking back, I think I could have done more in 2024. In 2025, I have another chance to do more and I’m going to make sure I take every opportunity that comes my way.

‘I should have won, but I didn’t and I’m going again. My life goes up and down, so I have to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave.

‘I can’t stop now. I must keep going until I reach my destination.”

Joshua also reflected on his defeat at Dubois and said he is now more determined than ever

A fight between Fury and Joshua has long been speculated over the years

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua plans to fight twice in 2025

Meanwhile, speaking to Sky Sports after Fury’s unanimous decision against Usyk, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said: ‘It’s definitely the only fight for Fury and apart from the Dubois rematch, it’s obviously the only fight for AJ.

‘Has there ever been a better time? They have both suffered defeat, both at the end of their careers.

‘One in Wembley, one in Riyadh, two fights in 2025.’

Then on Monday, Hearn outlined Joshua’s plans for the next 12 months.

Asked when fans can expect AJ’s return to the ring, Hearn revealed plans are in place for now.

“May or June,” Hearn said iFL TV. ‘He is not fully training yet. He will probably be ready to resume training in January.”

“Right now you have the Dubois fight on February 22nd. And you have to see what Fury wants to do. We’re not in a terrible hurry. AJ will fight twice in 2025. Once in the summer and once in the winter.

“If we can’t get the Dubois to fight and if Fury doesn’t want to fight, do you have to make the decision to fight someone, or do you wait for those fights?

“I can’t speak for AJ, who he is willing to fight for. But what I know is that the focus is on Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury.

‘Of course Joshua did it all. If he gets Fury on his CV, he’s pretty much covered everyone from his era.’