Joshua could get edge on Fury with African 'rumble'

Anthony Joshua will be back soon, honest!

- STEVE BUNCE

It appeared like AJ would fight by the end of this year, and a late December date in Ghana was under serious consideration, though the two-time world champion will now not be included in on the Accra show five days before Christmas, Matchroom announced.

Instead, should all go well in December, Matchroom will be back in Accra in February, this time with their prized asset: Joshua. This will be the only year in the 12 years that Joshua has been a professional that he has not fought. He needs a fight: it is that simple. If not Accra, then could Joshua be part of another festive card?

The talk once again is of a showdown with Tyson Fury: a fight first seriously talked about in June 2020, when Fury announced it had been agreed. Fury, however, has talked about a third and final fight with Oleksandr Usyk, who last week claimed he would fight again in 2026. The very top of the heavyweight division is currently in hibernation; the big bears have gone to their lairs with their secret demands, prejudices and fears.