Tyson Fury has set his sights on a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua following his heavyweight return against Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday.
The 37-year-old British boxer faces the Russian contender at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking his first fight in 16 months after emerging from his fifth retirement. While a historic all-British showdown with Joshua has remained elusive for years, fresh optimism suggests the bout could materialize in 2026.
"If it happens, great, if it doesn't happen, also great," Fury told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I've got Arslanbek Makhmudov to think of on Saturday night, but all going well [Joshua is] the fight I want next."
Joshua, 36, last competed in December, securing a sixth-round stoppage against Jake Paul in a sanctioned professional match. Negotiations for a Fury matchup reportedly gained momentum after that victory but were disrupted when Joshua was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria late last year, which claimed the lives of two close friends.
With Joshua expected to attend Saturday's event, promoter Eddie Hearn indicated the Watford-born fighter is approaching a return to training. Despite both athletes being in the latter stages of their careers, Fury remains unconcerned about Joshua's recent activity.
"I know he just had his fight with Jake Paul, whatever... a fight's a fight really," Fury remarked. "So yeah, I'll be ready for that straight away after this."
Fury and Joshua, both two-time world champions, have dominated British boxing internationally for nearly a decade. Although a bout between them would still generate substantial commercial interest, many purists argue the timing may be overdue.
Fury Faces 'Dangerous' Makhmudov Test
Before any potential Joshua fight, Fury must navigate a formidable challenge from Makhmudov, who boasts 19 knockouts within the first three rounds and is widely regarded as one of the division's most avoided heavyweights.
"I need a dangerous person to get my juices flowing," Fury explained. "I've got a stone-cold killer in this man who could put me out in one shot. That means I have to be on my form to deal with this guy. At any given time in my career, I would deal with him the same as I'm going to on Saturday night."
Fury hasn't fought in Britain since his December 2022 victory over Derek Chisora. A recent training camp in Thailand reignited his passion for the sport, with the 'Gypsy King' admitting he "missed this game." His return follows consecutive losses to world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The comeback occurs just a week after two of Fury's past opponents, Deontay Wilder and Chisora, faced off in London, with Wilder securing a split-decision win in what Fury described as "sad to watch."