So there I am with a cup of coffee, fully convinced that in the heavyweight division the schedule isn’t written by managers, but by people who actively hate sleep. And right on cue, Eddie Hearn walks in — the kind of promoter who can say “according to plan” with a straight face even when the plan looks like a 1,000-piece puzzle with no picture on the box. Anyway, let’s break it down: what’s next for Anthony Joshua, who could realistically step into the ring with him in the coming months, and why Tyson Fury is once again the main character of this whole series.
“Working to Turki’s Plan”: When Deadlines Are Louder Than the Bell
— Eddie, do we have anything concrete on Joshua’s next fight?
— Concrete is this: we’re following Turki Alalshikh’s plan. Anthony is expecting a fight in February or March. After that — hopefully — we’ll get in there with Tyson Fury.
And here’s the key part: they were genuinely aiming for something like February 14, but the calendar is ruthless. When there are seven weeks left until that February window, it’s not “yeah, we’ll make it,” it’s “show us Anthony’s condition first, then we’ll talk.” Hearn’s logic is simple: first you confirm the physical shape, the form, the health — and only then do you circle a date like it’s a done deal. That’s why “mid-to-late March” sounds like the most realistic option on the table.
Built for Fury: A Warm-Up That Can’t Turn Into a Circus
— Alright, and the opponent?
— Plenty of offers. We need a fight that preps us for Tyson Fury’s style.
The idea isn’t “just fight someone,” it’s finding a stylistic bridge: size, rhythm, tempo, clinch work, a heavy jab, that grimy, sticky inside range — all the stuff Fury can turn any boxing night into if you let him.
And yes, Rico Verhoeven’s name popped up again. That kickboxing star people have floated more than once as a potential option. Hearn isn’t pretending the contract is already on the table, but he does admit it’s been discussed — and they’re seriously “looking at options.”
Jake Paul and the Sixth Round: The Win’s There, but the Aftertaste Sticks
In case you missed the previous episode: Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round. On paper, it’s perfect: knockout, finish, hand raised. But, as always, fans have a special talent for celebrating in a way that still somehow makes the winner feel a bit awkward afterward.
“I Deserved the Criticism”: Joshua Turns on Judge Mode
— Anthony, did it really get to you that people were still complaining even after the KO?
— I deserved the criticism. We’re elite fighters. If I were the coach and my guy went six rounds with Jake Paul… I’d send him to the gym the very next day, give him a little “hard love,” and get him straight back to work.
That’s the rare kind of honesty, by the way: not “you don’t understand anything,” but “yeah, it could’ve been better.” Joshua still gives Paul his credit: the guy handled it well, stayed composed, didn’t crumble early. The fight took place on the night of December 20 in Miami — and judging by the vibe, that “why did it take so long?” question became the main topic in the comments.
“24 Hours to Sign”: A Fury Ultimatum, Blockbuster-Style
And now for the tastiest part — the bit where fans keep popcorn next to their gloves.
— Tyson, how much time do you need to say yes?
— Eight weeks to get ready — and 24 hours to sign the contract. Let’s see if he’s a man.
Translating from boxer-speak: “stop dragging it out and quit playing Mr. Mysterious.” But here’s the nuance: Fury last fought in December of last year — he lost to Oleksandr Usyk by decision, and then announced he was retiring. So right now he’s basically in the mode of “I’m done… but if you beg nicely, I might think about it.” And yes, people are going to beg loudly.
All This Math: What Insiders Are Saying and Where The Ring Is Looking
In the middle of all the negotiation noise, The Ring magazine previously reported that Joshua vs. Fury could happen in 2026. And honestly, that tracks: if Tyson is truly “retired” (in quotes, because in boxing retirement is more of a creative concept), it takes serious time to sort the promotion, the terms, the money, the venue, and the dates.
How the Next Episode Ends: A March Warm-Up and the Big Contract Test
Put it all together and it looks like this: Joshua will most likely return in February or March (leaning March if there are any questions about form). The opponent won’t be picked “just to have a fight,” but to be useful for Fury prep. Verhoeven is on the radar, but he’s not the only option. And the real hook is the signing deadline and the eternal intrigue: did Tyson Fury actually call it quits, or is he just taking a break so everyone has time to miss him?
