This contest seemed closer than ever at the very start of 2025. Both former two-time world champions Fury and Joshua had lost two back-to-back fights each with Oleksandr Usyk, who proved himself to be the greatest heavyweight on the planet with those wins.

Anthony Joshua was in talks to fight Tyson Fury in 2025 before 'The Gypsy King' announced his surprise retirement from boxing. Joshua hasn't competed since his 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois, while Fury lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk last year before hanging up the gloves.

Ricky Hatton has cast doubt on Tyson Fury's retirement plans, suggesting his close friend could return to the ring for a blockbuster fight with Anthony Joshua. Fury announced his retirement in January following back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk last year.