ANTHONY JOSHUA is being lined up for a shock showdown with long-time rival Deontay Wilder following Tyson Fury’s retirement. A long-overdue Battle of Britain with Fury was back on the cards

Instead, Joshua went on to knock out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, while Wilder was stopped by Zhilei Zhang in his next bout. Joshua was also on the wrong end of a KO in 2024, however, as Daniel Dubois retained the IBF title against his fellow Briton in September.

Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Al-Sheikh has called for Anthony Joshua to face Deontay Wilder following Tyson Fury's retirement from the sport. Speaking on talkSPORT's White and Jordan show today, Al-Sheikh said: "I want to see Joshua and Wilder now.

Boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh has shown interest in booking Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder next, due to Tyson Fury.

Deontay Wilder is reportedly planning a return to the ring despite receiving calls to retire from long-time foe Tyson Fury - but Anthony Joshua doesn't agree with the Gypsy King's assessment

Anthony Joshua could face Deontay Wilder next if Tyson Fury stays retired. Turki Alalshikh has now set his sights on the match.

Eddie Hearn has set a tight deadline for Tyson Fury to end his latest retirement if a highly anticipated summer clash with Anthony Joshua is to materialise. The Matchroom Boxing promoter insists Fury must return within "the next three or four weeks" for the potential blockbuster bout to proceed.

Hearn previously disclosed that he reserved dates with Wembley Stadium for May or June to stage the bout, but the window for such a large-scale promotion is closing.