Anthony Joshua: Beating Fury matters more than signing a fight deal

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua said defeating long-time rival Tyson Fury means far more to him than simply agreeing to the long-awaited blockbuster fight.

The highly anticipated “Battle of Britain” heavyweight showdown is expected to take place in November, although both fighters are first set to take part in separate warm-up bouts.

Anthony Joshua stressed that signing a contract for the Fury fight does not represent success in his eyes.

“I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory,” Joshua said. “Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Winning is the only true success.”

The 36-year-old is scheduled to face Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25 in his first bout since surviving a car accident in Nigeria last December that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

Meanwhile, Fury recently posted a video of himself training in Thailand, accompanied by the caption: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland,” fuelling speculation that he could appear on a fight card being organised by veteran promoter Frank Warren in the Irish capital.

No opponent has yet been officially announced for Fury, although Warren has ruled out a contest against Andy Ruiz Jr., who famously dethroned Joshua in 2019 before losing the rematch later that year.

Despite growing anticipation surrounding a Fury clash, Joshua insists his full attention remains on Prenga.

The fight was originally scheduled for Riyadh but has since been moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city.

Joshua has not faced a top-level opponent since suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, but he remains focused on rebuilding his path back to the top.

Reflecting on his motivation, the former unified heavyweight champion said boxing continues to provide him with purpose and direction.