Joshua Refuses to Celebrate Fury Deal, Says Winning Is All That Matters

Anthony Joshua says he will reserve any celebrations over his blockbuster fight agreement with Tyson Fury until he secures victory inside the ring.

The British heavyweight made the remarks on Monday as anticipation builds for a long-awaited showdown with Fury, expected to take place later this year.

“I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory,” Joshua stated. “Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Winning is the only true success.”

Before the highly anticipated clash, both fighters are expected to take part in warm-up bouts.

Joshua will return to action against little-known Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia. The contest marks his first appearance since a tragic car crash in Nigeria last December that killed two of his close friends.

Fury has also signalled his return to the ring. The 37-year-old recently posted footage of himself training in Thailand, accompanied by the message: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland.”

The former champion could feature on a Dublin event promoted by Frank Warren, although no opponent has been confirmed. Warren has dismissed suggestions that Andy Ruiz Jr could be selected for the bout.

For Joshua, however, the immediate objective is Prenga.

The fight, initially planned for Riyadh, has been relocated to Jeddah, organisers confirmed during a recent press conference.

Joshua has not faced a top-level opponent since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, but he says he has a clear roadmap for the months ahead.

“What does boxing give me? It gives me an opportunity to work. I’m a contractor, this is a contract, this is my job so I’ve got an opportunity to work,” he said.

“You have to put a road map in front of a fighter and show them what is point one, point two, point three. It gives purpose and focus. I know what my year looks like.

“Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship.

“It ain’t about looking past anyone, it’s just knowing your purpose and knowing your steps forward and moving up the ladder.

“I’ve got a clear goal, I know what this year is about, I know how tough this year is going to be. I’ve been training hard, that’s my life.”

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