Anthony Joshua believes Tyson Fury is only returning to boxing in order to fight him.
The British heavyweight icons continue to be tipped for a long-awaited clash in the ring.
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Joshua believes his long-awaited bout against Fury ‘has to happen’ if his rival returnsCredit: GettyLennox Lewis makes Mike Tyson comparison as he urges Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to finally fight each other – exclusive
Hopes of the pair finally facing off had appeared to be over following Fury’s retirement from the sport.
The Gypsy King announced he would be hanging up his gloves after losing his rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in December.
Meanwhile, Joshua has not fought since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois over a year ago.
However, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren confirmed the former world champion would be making a comeback in 2026.
Joshua’s Fury theory
Joshua believes his rival is only doing so in order for their bout to finally take place.
Speaking to German outlet Sport1, he was asked if the fight will happen following Warren’s comments.
The 36-year-old admitted: “Yes, I think it will happen. Why not? What else will he do? He has to fight me.”
As for if Fury is coming back because of him, he simply replied: “Exactly.”
His comments follow Warren’s revelation that Fury was eyeing a return to action next year.
The Queensberry chief told DAZN earlier this month: “I spoke to him last week; he said that he’s going to come back and fight next year.
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Fury is only making a 2026 comeback to fight Joshua, according to AJCredit: Getty
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However, the Brit has ruled out a third bout with Usyk until after he faces FuryCredit: AFP
“He’s going to do it. He’s had a very busy year this year. He’s obviously not had a fight this year, but as we’ve all seen, he’s had his documentary.
“He’s been filming with Netflix for his At Home with the Fury’s series.
“He’s also got another documentary that he’s finishing off, plus other things he wants.
“He’s told me categorically he wants to fight next year. So, we’ll sit down and see.”
Joshua on a trilogy bout with Usyk
Joshua has poured water on talk of a third fight against Usyk, though, at least until after he has faced Fury.
AJ explained: “He’s already beaten me twice. If we look back at history, we see that some boxers have faced each other five or six times.
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Joshua stopped short of confirming whether or not he will face anyone else before FuryCredit: Getty
“But as of now, Usyk can decide what he wants to do next. I think I have to fight Tyson Fury. Usyk, on the other hand, doesn’t have to fight me.”
Although he added he could face the Ukrainian after fighting Fury, Joshua would not be drawn on whether he will take on anyone else before that potential all-British affair.
The two-time heavyweight world champion continued: “That depends on what my managers and trainers think.
“Whether another fight is good for me or whether we want to avoid the risk and go straight to the big fight. For me, either is fine.”
Joshua last fought in September 2024, when he was beaten by Daniel Dubois in an IBF title bout at Wembley Stadium.
Dubois stopped his opponent in the fifth round after knocking Joshua down four times during the fight.