Anthony Joshua Says Tyson Fury Fight Could Be Over in the First Round

Anthony Joshua has raised the stakes ahead of his long-awaited heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury by suggesting that the fight could be over inside the opening round.

Joshua made the prediction after finally coming face-to-face with Fury in London on Wednesday, as the two former heavyweight world champions began the build-up towards their meeting at the Principality Stadium on Friday 11th December 2026.

The British rivals shared a stage for the first time since their fight was officially confirmed, bringing an end to years of speculation over whether two of the biggest names of their generation would ever meet in the professional ring. The press conference itself remained largely respectful, but both men made it clear that they expect a very different atmosphere once the opening bell sounds.

Joshua Targets Spectacular Knockout Against Fury

Speaking following the event, Joshua was asked how he expected the contest to finish and immediately pointed towards a stoppage.

“A knockout, if I’m honest with you. Could be in the first round,” Joshua said.

Asked whether securing such an early finish was genuinely part of his plan, the former unified heavyweight champion responded: “Yeah, it is.”

Joshua also spoke about wanting to produce a “spectacular” victory when the pair eventually step into the ring in Cardiff.

It is a significant statement from a fighter who has built much of his career around his punching power. Joshua currently holds a professional record of 30 wins from 34 contests, with 27 of those victories coming by knockout, while Fury has been stopped only twice across his 39 professional fights.

Joshua returned to winning ways by stopping Kristian Prenga earlier this year, having previously knocked out Jake Paul in Miami in December 2025. Fury, meanwhile, made his own return to the ring in April, recording a unanimous decision victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fury Also Predicts a Knockout in Cardiff

Joshua is not the only man expecting the contest to end before the final bell.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Fury said he intends to take the fight directly to Joshua rather than adopting a cautious approach against one of the division’s biggest punchers.

“I’m going to catch him. And when I do, it’s going to be curtains,” Fury said as he outlined his own expectations for the contest.

Despite the predictions from both sides, the atmosphere between the pair was considerably more relaxed than many previous meetings between major heavyweight rivals.

Fury praised Joshua’s career and his contribution to British boxing, while the pair exchanged jokes during a face-off which eventually ended with both fighters smiling. Their tone may have been respectful, but neither attempted to play down the importance of finally settling a rivalry which has followed them throughout much of their careers.

Fury and Joshua Finally Share the Stage

For much of the last decade, Fury and Joshua appeared destined to meet.

Both became heavyweight world champions, sold out major stadiums and established themselves among the biggest names in British sport, but negotiations repeatedly failed to produce a fight.

Their paths have also crossed away from the professional ring. Joshua and Fury famously sparred while Joshua was still an amateur, with the story becoming part of the rivalry in the years since.

That session was discussed again on Wednesday. Fury recalled the sparring encounter before Joshua responded by pointing out that Fury had left with a black eye, although Joshua was keen to stress that what happened in sparring will have little relevance when they meet professionally in December.

The December contest will be their first professional meeting.

Peter Fury Adds Another Twist to Joshua’s Preparations

One of the most interesting developments to emerge ahead of the press conference concerned Joshua’s preparations for the fight.

Joshua revealed that he has been speaking with Peter Fury, Tyson Fury’s uncle and former trainer, who played a major role in Fury’s rise to the heavyweight world title.

Peter Fury was in Tyson’s corner when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in Düsseldorf in 2015, but the pair have not worked together for several years.

Joshua indicated that their conversations have centred on his own training and development rather than simply attempting to obtain inside information about his opponent. He is also working with Ben Davison, another trainer with extensive previous experience alongside Fury.

Those links provide another intriguing subplot ahead of a contest already carrying more than a decade of history.

Countdown Continues Towards Fury v Joshua in Cardiff

After several days of uncertainty surrounding the contest, Wednesday’s press conference shifted attention firmly back towards the fighters themselves.

Fury and Joshua are now scheduled to meet at the Principality Stadium on Friday 11th December, with the event set to be streamed globally by Netflix. The undercard and further event timings are still to be announced.

There may have been smiles when the two heavyweights finally stood opposite each other in London, but their respective knockout predictions offered an early indication of how differently both men expect the night itself to unfold.

Joshua has now gone one step further by suggesting that British boxing’s long-awaited heavyweight showdown could potentially be settled within three minutes.

Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua Hospitality with Eventmasters

Eventmasters offers Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua VIP hospitality at the Principality Stadium, including VIP Ringside and premium hospitality options for the heavyweight showdown on Friday 11th December 2026.

Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua FAQs

When is Tyson Fury fighting Anthony Joshua?

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to fight on Friday 11th December 2026.

Where will Fury v Joshua take place?

The fight will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Has Anthony Joshua said he will knock Tyson Fury out in the first round?

Joshua has predicted a knockout victory and said the fight “could be in the first round” when discussing his expectations following the first press conference.

Have Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua fought before?

No. Although the pair famously sparred when Joshua was an amateur, their meeting in Cardiff will be their first professional fight against one another.

How can I watch Fury v Joshua?

The event is scheduled to stream live globally on Netflix.

Can I enquire about Fury v Joshua hospitality?

Yes. Eventmasters offers VIP hospitality for Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua at the Principality Stadium. Guests can register their interest or enquire about available packages ahead of the fight.