This contest seemed closer than ever at the very start of 2025. Both former two-time world champions Fury and Joshua had lost two back-to-back fights each with Oleksandr Usyk, who proved himself to be the greatest heavyweight on the planet with those wins.

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes he knows what it will take for Tyson Fury to leave retirement and get in the ring with Anthony Joshua. The much-anticipated British heavyweight showdown was being discussed until Fury announced his retirement from the sport in January following consecutive defeats to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Ricky Hatton has cast doubt on Tyson Fury's retirement plans, suggesting his close friend could return to the ring for a blockbuster fight with Anthony Joshua. Fury announced his retirement in January following back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk last year.

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes if Tyson Fury stays retired, he will come to regret not fighting Anthony Joshua.

Anthony Joshua was in talks to fight Tyson Fury in 2025 before 'The Gypsy King' announced his surprise retirement from boxing. Joshua hasn't competed since his 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois, while Fury lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk last year before hanging up the gloves.