Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh has ambitious plans for Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to return to the ring for warm-up fights before facing each other in a blockbuster bout.
According to Eddie Hearn, this strategy refined with Riyadh Season seeks to maximize expectations and ensure that the great British showdown in the world of professional boxing is realized.
Who is Turki Alalshikh and why does his plan matter?
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, has managed to bring high-profile fights to the country and coordinates events with significant financial assistance. His plan is not improvised: first he plans comeback fights for each boxer, and then bring them together in a main event that will attract worldwide attention.
In an interview with IFL TV, Eddie Hearn explained:
They want the two to have a comeback fight, and then, in my opinion, Turki Alalshikh will go straight to make AJ-Fury
This provides a clear framework: first recover, then clash. Eddie Hearn added that Anthony Joshua maintains his focus and rebuilds from scratch, while Tyson Fury, even in retirement, remains a relevant player thanks to Saudi backing.
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua plan details
- Anthony Joshua: Joshua is in talks to fight in late 2025 during the Riyadh Season, dodging an early return against Fury. His return is expected between October and December, possibly against another contractually required contender before facing Fury.
- Tyson Fury: Fury confirmed his return in 2026 under the sponsorship of Alalshikh, although he is torn between facing Oleksandr Usyk or going straight to Joshua. Although he would aspire to a “trilogy” against Usyk, the plan also considers his clash with Joshua as a monumental event
The rivalry generates global expectation. A Fury vs. Joshua fight at Wembley or Riyadh is shaping up to be one of the biggest in British boxing. The idea is to first consolidate their prominence with comeback fights, attract audiences and profitability, and then seal the main fight.
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, a million-dollar idea
- The idea is to first consolidate the spotlight with comeback fights, attract audiences and profitability, and then seal the main fight for the delight of the spectators. Fury retired after recent defeats, which raises doubts about his willingness to return and Joshua is coming off a loss and is recovering from surgery, but Hearn insists that he remains focused
- Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh’s plan, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, follows a clear path: comeback fights for Fury and Joshua, and then seal the long-awaited showdown. If both overcome their recent conditions and Alalshikh delivers on his financial promise, we could see one of the most epic duels in modern boxing. For now, fans and analysts will be waiting to see how the first fights turn out.
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