In a stunning development that has reignited hopes for one of the biggest fights in boxing history, Anthony Joshua has made it clear he’s not giving up on a potential showdown with Tyson Fury — despite the WBC champion’s recent claims that he’s retiring from the sport.

Joshua’s declaration comes just days after Fury shocked the boxing world by announcing, once again, that he is stepping away from the ring for good. “I’ve done what I had to do. I’ve beaten everyone. There’s nothing left for me to prove,” Fury said in an interview, sparking yet another wave of speculation about the legitimacy of his retirement.

But if Fury thought his exit would silence the calls for a British mega-fight, he was wrong.

Joshua Speaks Out

Speaking to reporters at a promotional event in London, Joshua addressed the Fury situation head-on.

“I don’t care what he says about retirement. Tyson’s always talking, always trying to stay in the headlines,” Joshua said. “If he’s really done, good for him. But I’m not closing that door. The public still wants that fight. And I still want that fight.”

It’s not the first time Fury has flirted with retirement. In fact, fans have grown used to the Gypsy King’s cryptic announcements and sudden comebacks. His last “retirement” was just months before agreeing to fight Francis Ngannou in 2023, and before that, he had made similar claims following his win over Dillian Whyte in 2022.

Joshua, it seems, is no longer taking Fury’s words at face value.

“He says he’s retired, then two weeks later he’s posting training clips and calling people out,” Joshua continued. “Until he officially vacates the belt and walks away from boxing for good, I’m not buying it.”

A Fight Fans Still Crave

The all-British heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury has been discussed — and delayed — for years. At one point, the two fighters were on the verge of signing a deal in 2021 before legal obligations forced Fury into a third bout with Deontay Wilder. The window of opportunity has opened and closed multiple times, leaving fans frustrated and promoters scrambling.

Despite both fighters suffering setbacks in recent years — Joshua with back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk and Fury facing criticism for taking lower-risk fights — the appeal of a Joshua vs. Fury showdown remains enormous.

“It’s the biggest fight in British boxing history. Maybe even world boxing,” said boxing analyst Steve Bunce. “The personalities, the contrasting styles, the legacy — it has everything. And Joshua’s comments show that the fire’s still burning.”

What’s Next for Joshua?

Joshua is currently on the comeback trail after an impressive knockout victory over Robert Helenius and a dominant win over Otto Wallin. He has signaled his readiness for a world title shot and is believed to be in talks for a summer return, potentially facing Filip Hrgović or even a rematch with Usyk.

Yet the Fury fight remains the golden prize.

“I’m not chasing him,” Joshua said. “But if the opportunity comes and the deal is right, I’m there. He knows where to find me.”

His promoter, Eddie Hearn, echoed the sentiment, saying the fans “deserve” to see Joshua vs. Fury happen before both men hang up their gloves for good.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — this is the fight we need to make. Forget the politics. Forget the networks. Let’s give the fans what they’ve been begging for.”

Fury’s Camp Responds

So far, Tyson Fury has remained relatively quiet following Joshua’s remarks. His last public statement on the matter was his retirement announcement, in which he said he was focusing on his family, his mental health, and “other ventures outside of boxing.”

However, insiders close to Fury suggest he may not be entirely done with the sport.

“Tyson thrives on big moments, and there’s no bigger moment than shutting up Anthony Joshua,” one source said. “If the right offer comes along, don’t be surprised if he laces up the gloves one more time.”

Final Bell?

Whether or not the fight happens, Joshua’s recent comments have kept the dream alive. As fans speculate and debates rage on social media, one thing is clear — boxing isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to this rivalry just yet.

And neither is Anthony Joshua.

“One day, we’ll settle this properly. And when that day comes, I’ll be ready.”