Callum Smith gives his honest assessment of Fury vs Joshua

Speaking to any British boxing fan, the one that got away over the last decade is Fury vs Joshua. It feels like it’s been close on a number of occasions, but something has always stopped Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua from sharing a professional boxing ring. However, this time does feel different.

On July 25, at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua will make his return to boxing against Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs). On July 24, Tyson Fury will face Mariusz Wach in Thailand. Should both fighters come through their respective bouts unscathed, Turki Alalshikh has confirmed we can expect to see Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury on a date and at a venue to be confirmed. Looking ahead to the potential Fury vs Joshua showdown, light heavyweight contender Callum Smith spoke to talkSPORT Boxing to break down the fight.

Fury vs Joshua edge closer to heavyweight showdown

It has been widely reported by many outlets, including The Ring Magazine that we can expect to see Fury vs Joshua in Q4 of 2026.

In the original press release announcing his comeback fight against Prenga, Joshua said: “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. I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”

When sitting ringside at Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, Joshua reminded Fury he was the landlord, so that comment feels like a direct message to “The Gypsy King.”

Callum Smith weighs in on Fury vs Joshua

Looking ahead to the potential Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua clash later this year, Callum Smith said:

“I think it’s a good fight, in terms of very evenly matched at this stage of their career. I think I’ve swapped and changed over the years over who I favour. I think Fury probably does the 12 better, and could probably outlast him, but I think Joshua definitely hits the harder. And I think towards the end of Fury’s career, he’s been down a little bit, and I think if Joshua does land, then he can get rid of him, but if the fight goes that way, then I think you favour Fury. But whether you agree or not, I think it’s an interesting fight.”

Smith was then asked if either of them has enough left to become a three-weight world champion:

“I would have said no, but I think no with (Oleksandr) Usyk giving up all the belts. I think the division has freed up a little bit, but there is a chance one of them could get hold of one of them (belt). I think when Usyk had them, no, but I don’t think many people could of, while he was keeping hold of them. But now it’s freed up a little bit; then I think definitely they could,” said Smith.

Featured Image Credit:

Mark Robinson/Goldstar Promotions