Anthony Joshua has agreed a deal to fight fellow former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, ending years of stalled negotiations over a bout widely anticipated in British boxing.

Hearn announced on social media that the fight between Anthony Joshua and Fury had been finalised, though no date or venue has yet been confirmed. Joshua, 36, is set to return to the ring first in a comeback bout against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July, following a period out of action after a fatal car crash involving his team in December.

“As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain,” Joshua said about the fight.

Joshua also reflected on his time away from the sport, saying, “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey.” He added: “I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.”

Before any meeting with Fury, Joshua must first face Prenga, a 35-year-old with a record of 20 wins, all by stoppage, and one defeat. Fury, 37, recently returned to the ring with a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and had publicly called out Joshua, with his team stating they had already signed their side of the contract.

A date and location for Joshua’s fight with Fury remain unconfirmed, although Hearn has previously suggested the contest could take place in November, potentially on a major streaming platform. Further details are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Joshua’s last appearance came against Jake Paul in December. Later that month, a car crash involving his driver in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of two members of his team, contributing to his extended absence from the ring.