Promoter Claims Joshua vs Fury Super-Fight 'Done' for Dublin in 2026
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, promoter Kalle Sauerland has declared that the all-British heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is "done" and scheduled for Dublin this autumn. This announcement comes after years of speculation and failed negotiations, offering new hope to fans who have long awaited this generational clash.
Years of Anticipation May Finally Culminate
The potential fight between British heavyweights Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37, has been a topic of intense discussion for nearly a decade, with numerous obstacles preventing it from materialising. However, Sauerland's comments suggest that the bout is now closer than ever to becoming reality.
"AJ-Fury, I've heard it's done for Dublin later this year, so I think that will get announced pretty soon," Sauerland told The Stomping Ground on Friday. He elaborated further in a separate interview with iFL TV, stating, "Fury-AJ, done for apparently autumn in Dublin, fantastic. That's what I've heard, done for Dublin, I think September or October."
Surprising Location Choice Adds Intrigue
The selection of Dublin as the host city represents a surprising twist, as most previous discussions had centred on venues in London, Las Vegas, or the Middle East. This unexpected location choice could potentially attract a massive international audience and create a unique atmosphere for what promises to be one of boxing's most significant events.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has previously hinted at a summer comeback fight for AJ, which many observers believe would serve as a warm-up bout before facing Fury. Joshua recently returned to training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria in December, which claimed the lives of two of his teammates while leaving him injured.
Current Form and Upcoming Fights
Both fighters remain active as they potentially approach their historic meeting:
- Anthony Joshua has been training alongside former rival Oleksandr Usyk in Ukraine and stopped influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in six rounds last December.
- Tyson Fury is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking his return from what he claims is his fifth retirement from boxing.
Sauerland suggested that the heavyweight division is approaching a transitional period, noting, "[Chisora vs Wilder] is probably one of three fights that will end this generation [of heavyweights]. AJ-Fury [and] I think Usyk's last fight, whoever that is."
Broader Heavyweight Landscape
The heavyweight division continues to evolve around this potential super-fight. Usyk, who has defeated both Joshua and Fury twice, will defend his unified titles against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven on 23 May at the pyramids of Giza. Meanwhile, this Saturday sees Derek Chisora face Deontay Wilder at London's O2 Arena, with Chisora claiming he will retire after the bout.
Fury has expressed interest in a trilogy fight with Usyk, though public enthusiasm for that matchup appears limited. The British fighter must first overcome Russia's Makhmudov before any future plans can be confirmed.
The Independent has approached a representative of Anthony Joshua for comment regarding Sauerland's claims about the Dublin fight. As the boxing world awaits official confirmation, fans are cautiously optimistic that this long-anticipated British heavyweight showdown may finally become reality in Ireland's capital later this year.
