Tyson Fury gets a surprise challenge for another Battle of Britain before facing Anthony Joshua.
Tyson Fury will finally face Anthony Joshua in the ring at the end of 2026, but it’s not just Joshua who’s interested in the Gypsy King. Fury made a strong comeback in April when he beat Russian fighter Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 37-year-old took a year off after losing twice in a row to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in 2024. While Joshua is set to return in July against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga—his first fight since beating Jake Paul in December and surviving a serious car crash soon after—Fury’s next opponent hasn’t been decided yet.
Promoter Frank Warren said they’re planning a warm-up fight for Fury, possibly in August, before his big match with Joshua later next year. One boxer eager to take on Fury is fellow Brit Dave Allen. The 34-year-old, who has knocked out 20 of his 25 wins and once held the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title, is getting ready to fight Filip Hrgovic in Doncaster this Saturday. If he wins, Allen wants Fury next.
“If I beat Hrgovic, Tyson Fury is getting called out,” Allen told Sky Sports. “Even if I lose but fight well, I still want that Fury fight.”
Before meeting Usyk, Fury was unbeaten and now has 35 wins and 2 losses, both by decision to Usyk. Fury would be the clear favorite if he faced Allen this summer. Allen, nicknamed “The White Rhino,” won his first 10 pro fights, but lost to Dillian White in Leeds 10 years ago. He’s won 25 of his 35 fights and lost 8.
Allen started 2026 strong by stopping Karim Berredjem in Nottingham but lost to Makhmudov, who wanted to fight Joshua but ended up facing Fury instead. Now, with Joshua and Fury set to meet, Makhmudov might be left out.
Fury also has big plans for next year—a possible third fight with Usyk looks likely, which would no doubt bring a huge payday for both fighters.