Anthony Joshua has spoken for the first time since rumors circulated that he would fight Tyson Fury in 2025.
The two British heavyweights have shared a bitter and long-running rivalry over the years, with constant speculation at times that a long-awaited fight between them will finally take place.
However, despite strong public support for a fight and significant speculation and negotiations, a showdown has never materialized.
However, earlier this week rumors circulated on social media that a fight between Joshua and Fury had finally been agreed in what would be dubbed 'The Battle of Britain' and possibly the biggest fight in British boxing history. , with a date set for April. 26 at Wembley.
And although nothing has been confirmed, Joshua gave credence to the speculation on Thursday when outlining his plan for next year.
“My goal is Tyson Fury in 2025,” the 35-year-old explained during a trip to meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Anthony Joshua has broken his silence on rumors he will fight Tyson Fury in 2025
Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time in December and considered a fight with Joshua
Joshua hasn't fought since losing to Daniel Dubois, but said he was targeting the Gypsy King.
Joshua's last fight was in September when he faced rising prospect Daniel Dubois in a bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
In the end, Dubois handed AJ the fourth loss of his professional career by stopping him in the fifth round and defending his IBF title in the process.
Joshua was expected to face Dubois in early 2025 before he was convinced to recover from injuries and seek a comeback later in the year.
And, during his time in Africa, Joshua also reflected on the defeat to his fellow Brit, insisting he was now more determined than ever.
“It makes me hungry, it makes me want to work harder,” he added. 'Time is of the essence, time is limited, so I just want to work more.
'When I look back, I think I could have done more in 2024. I have another opportunity in 2025 to do more and I will make sure I take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.
'I should have won but I didn't and I'm going again. My life has ups and downs, so I have to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave.
'I can't stop now. I have to continue until I reach my destination.'
Joshua also reflected on his defeat of Dubois and said he is now more determined than ever.
A fight between Fury and Joshua is something that has long been speculated over the years.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua plans to fight twice in 2025.
Meanwhile, speaking to Sky Sports after Fury's unanimous decision loss to Usyk, Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, said: “It's definitely the only fight for Fury and, apart from the rematch with Dubois, it's obviously the only one.” fight for AJ.”
'Has there ever been a better time? Both are coming off losses, both in the final part of their careers.
“One in Wembley, one in Riyadh, two fights in 2025.”
Then, speaking on Monday, Hearn outlined Joshua's plans for the next 12 months in more detail.
When asked when fans can expect AJ's return to the ring, Hearn revealed that plans are tentatively underway.
“In May or June,” Hearn said. iFL TV. 'He's not in full training yet. He will likely be ready to resume training in January.
'At the moment, we have the fight with Dubois on February 22. And you have to see what Fury wants to do. We're not in a big hurry. AJ will fight twice in 2025. Once in summer and once in winter.
'If we can't get the Dubois to fight and if Fury doesn't want to fight, then you have to make the decision to fight someone, or do you wait for those fights?
'I can't speak for AJ, who he is willing to fight for. But what I know is that the focus is Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury.
'Of course, Joshua has done it all. If you put Fury on your resume, you've boxed pretty much everyone of your era.