ANTHONY JOSHUA is being lined up for a shock showdown with long-time rival Deontay Wilder following Tyson Fury’s retirement. A long-overdue Battle of Britain with Fury was back on the cards

Instead, Joshua went on to knock out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, while Wilder was stopped by Zhilei Zhang in his next bout. Joshua was also on the wrong end of a KO in 2024, however, as Daniel Dubois retained the IBF title against his fellow Briton in September.

Anthony Joshua could face Deontay Wilder next if Tyson Fury stays retired. Turki Alalshikh has now set his sights on the match.

Deontay Wilder is reportedly planning a return to the ring despite receiving calls to retire from long-time foe Tyson Fury - but Anthony Joshua doesn't agree with the Gypsy King's assessment

Anthony Joshua could now be on a collision course to finally face Deontay Wilder following the surprise retirement of Tyson Fury. Joshua is plotting his return to the ring later this year after suffering the fourth loss of his career in devastating fashion against Daniel Dubois last September.

Eddie Hearn has set a tight deadline for Tyson Fury to end his latest retirement if a highly anticipated summer clash with Anthony Joshua is to materialise. The Matchroom Boxing promoter insists Fury must return within "the next three or four weeks" for the potential blockbuster bout to proceed.

Hearn previously disclosed that he reserved dates with Wembley Stadium for May or June to stage the bout, but the window for such a large-scale promotion is closing.