In a bombshell announcement that’s electrified the heavyweight division, Saudi boxing mogul Turki Alal Sheikh has just confirmed the long-awaited clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will happen in **January 2026**—earlier than anyone anticipated! The revelation came via Alal Sheikh’s explosive X post just one minute ago, where he teased: “The Battle of Britain is ON! AJ vs Fury, January 2026 in Riyadh. Tune-ups in December—get ready for history!” The news has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with #AJvsFury trending globally in seconds, amassing over 1 million mentions.

Alal Sheikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and boxing’s ultimate kingmaker, has been orchestrating this superfight for years. After Fury’s “retirement” in January 2025 following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, and Joshua’s string of comeback wins (including a TKO over Francis Ngannou), the Saudi powerhouse stepped in to revive the dream matchup. “Fury called me today—’Rabbit to hunt,’ he said. Joshua’s ready. January it is,” Alal Sheikh posted, quoting Fury’s infamous line. The fight, slated for Riyadh Season, promises a $200 million purse split, with Fury targeting a trilogy rubber match against Usyk later in 2026.

The buildup has been legendary. Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) and Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) have danced around each other since their 2019 amateur days, with two canceled bouts in 2021 and 2023 due to Fury’s obligations. Joshua’s recent dominance—beating Otto Wallin, Ngannou, and Parker—has rebuilt his aura, while Fury’s “retirement” was always seen as temporary. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed: “Turki made it happen. Tune-ups: Fury vs Wardley in December, AJ vs Bakole. Then, the big one.”

Boxing’s elite reacted instantly. Fury tweeted: “Finally! AJ, your time’s up—Gypsy King’s back!” Joshua replied with a fist emoji and “See you in the ring.” Oleksandr Usyk, Fury’s conqueror, joked: “Good luck, boys—I’ll be commentating.” Fans are divided: “January? Too soon for Fury post-retirement,” vs. “This is what we’ve waited for!” With Alal Sheikh’s track record (Fury-Usyk, Canelo-Crawford), expect fireworks—literally, with Riyadh’s spectacle.

This January showdown could shatter PPV records, eclipsing Mayweather-Pacquiao’s 4.6 million buys. As the hype builds, one thing’s certain: heavyweight boxing’s crown jewels are colliding. Who wins—Joshua’s power or Fury’s cunning? Sound off below!