Replacement for Fury: Turki Alalshikh Prepares Another Megafight for Anthony Joshua

Turki Alalshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has found a new opponent for former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (28–4, 25 KOs) in case he cannot persuade Tyson Fury to resume his professional career.

Now, Turki plans to organize a bout between Joshua and American Deontay Wilder (43–4–1, 42 KOs).

“Right now, I want to see Joshua and Wilder. If Tyson is unavailable, why not Joshua vs. Wilder?” Turki told talkSPORT.

In September, during the IBF heavyweight title fight, Anthony Joshua was knocked out in the 5th round by Daniel Dubois. In June, Deontay Wilder lost to Zhang Zhilei by technical knockout in the 5th round, marking his fourth loss in his last five fights. Wilder’s next likely opponent is Curtis Harper, with the fight unofficially slated for April 26.

Recall that on January 13, Tyson Fury announced his retirement from professional boxing. His last opponent was heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23–0, 14 KOs), to whom he lost on May 18 and December 21, 2024. Fury’s career record stands at 34 wins (24 by KO), 2 losses, and 1 draw.