Joshua Sets July 25 Comeback Fight as Former Champion Targets Title Reset Against Former World Title Challenger

Anthony Joshua has confirmed his next fight will take place on July 25, setting up the final piece of his preparation before what promoters are billing as the biggest heavyweight clash in British boxing history against Tyson Fury.

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The 34-year-old former unified champion will face a former world title challenger in a ten-round contest that serves as his penultimate bout before the much-anticipated Fury showdown. The venue is expected to be announced within the coming days, with Manchester's AO Arena emerging as the frontrunner.

"July 25 is the date," Joshua confirmed through his management team. "I need sharp rounds, I need rhythm, and I need to remind everyone what I'm capable of. Fury is watching, and he knows what's coming."

Joshua's recent resurgence has been remarkable. After suffering back-to-back defeats in 2024, the Watford man has rebuilt his career with three consecutive victories, the most recent being a clinical stoppage win that showcased the power and precision that made him a unified champion.

His trainer Freddie Thomson has been working extensively on Joshua's movement and head positioning, areas that were exposed in previous defeats. The July 25 opponent represents a step up in class from recent outings, designed to test those technical improvements under fight conditions.

"AJ is in the best shape of his career," Thomson revealed. "We've addressed the issues from his losses, and he's been a different fighter in the gym. July 25 is about proving those changes work when it matters."

The Fury bout, now confirmed for later in 2026 following Monday's contract announcement, represents the ultimate prize for Joshua. Victory would not only cement his legacy but could also position him for future mega-fights against the winner of other heavyweight title clashes.

Tickets for the July 25 fight are expected to go on sale next week, with pay-per-view details to follow. Promoters are predicting record-breaking numbers for Joshua's latest ring return.