Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua stand one win away from finally meeting in one of British boxing’s biggest heavyweight fights. Contracts are in place for the bout later this year, but both former world champions must first win separate contests this weekend. Fury faces Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on Friday, while Joshua meets unbeaten Albanian Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
Tyson Fury And Anthony Joshua Must Clear Final Hurdle
Years of failed negotiations have delayed Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, but the heavyweight rivals are now one step from sharing the ring. Both fighters must avoid defeat and injury before promoters confirm the fight. Joshua returns after months away from boxing following the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. He has insisted his focus remains on Prenga rather than Fury.
Prenga arrives with a record of 20 wins, 20 knockouts and one defeat. Fury, meanwhile, continues his comeback after beating Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in April. He starts as the favourite against Wach, whose career includes world title challenges against leading heavyweights.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has confirmed agreements for the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight. Reports also indicate Fury could travel directly from Thailand to Jeddah for a face-off if both men win. That meeting would launch a heavyweight contest British boxing fans have awaited for more than a decade.
This weekend now decides what comes next. Wins for Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would remove the final obstacle to the biggest fight of their careers.
