Anthony Joshua’s camp has received the official contract for a massive showdown with Tyson Fury, though the fight is now pencilled in for November rather than earlier. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed receiving the paperwork last week, stating they are reviewing the terms for the all-British clash. This delay follows recent personal difficulties experienced by Joshua.

Hearn indicated that the initial plan involving a March fight followed by a Fury bout in August has shifted due to circumstances surrounding Joshua. The new schedule involves seeing Joshua return in July for a preparatory contest before facing Fury later in the autumn. Hearn suggested this warm-up mirrors the essential ring time Fury secured in his recent fight.

Speculation mounts that Deontay Wilder could fulfill the role of Joshua’s July opponent, with Hearn open to exploring a back-to-back schedule against both Wilder and Fury. While Hearn stressed that a Wilder fight wasn't part of the initial Fury agreement, he sees merit in having Joshua shake off the ring rust after his hiatus.

Ultimately, the expectation from Matchroom's side is firm: a return in July, likely against Wilder, leading directly into the highly anticipated clash against Tyson Fury in November. This revised timeline prioritizes getting Joshua fully prepared for the biggest domestic fight in years.