Tyson Fury Vows to Knock Out Anthony Joshua in December Mega-Fight in Cardiff
Tyson Fury has vowed to knock out Anthony Joshua when the British heavyweight rivals meet in Cardiff on December 11, 2026, after drawing inspiration from Daniel Dubois' stoppage victory over Fabio Wardley.
Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has intensified the build-up to his long-awaited showdown with British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua, promising to knock out his rival when they meet in Cardiff on December 11, 2026.
Fury issued the latest warning after watching fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois stop Fabio Wardley in London, declaring that Joshua would suffer a similar fate when the two former champions finally settle their long-running rivalry in the ring.
In a video shared on Instagram, Fury congratulated Dubois on retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title before turning his attention to the impending clash with Joshua.
“That is exactly what is going to happen to AJ on December 11, sparked out. Get up,” Fury said, referring to Joshua by his familiar nickname.
The comments have added fresh intensity to a contest that boxing supporters have anticipated for more than a decade. The all-British heavyweight encounter is scheduled for Cardiff's Principality Stadium, with global streaming platform Netflix set to broadcast the event.
The fight is expected to be one of the biggest sporting attractions of the year, bringing together two of Britain's most recognisable heavyweight boxers after years of failed negotiations and repeated speculation. (PUNCH Newspapers)
Dubois' victory inspires Fury's knockout prediction
Fury's latest declaration followed Dubois' emphatic victory over Wardley in their heavyweight contest in London on Saturday.
Dubois retained his WBO title after Wardley's corner threw in the towel in the second round, bringing the contest to an abrupt end.
The defending champion had dropped Wardley with a powerful right hand less than 20 seconds into the opening round before delivering a sustained attack in the second. With Wardley unable to respond effectively to the barrage, his corner intervened to stop the fight.
Fury praised both fighters but singled out Dubois for the decisive finish, describing it as an example of how a heavyweight should end a contest.
The former champion subsequently used the result to reinforce his prediction that Joshua would also be stopped when they meet.
His comments form part of the increasingly combative rhetoric surrounding the December showdown, with both fighters expected to use the build-up to establish psychological advantages before entering the ring.
However, Fury's prediction remains a declaration of intent rather than a guarantee of the outcome. Joshua possesses considerable heavyweight experience and a record of his own knockout victories. (Pulse Sports Nigeria)
Fury and Joshua finally agree to long-awaited showdown
The Fury-Joshua rivalry has been one of boxing's most enduring unfinished stories.
For years, negotiations for the all-British heavyweight clash repeatedly stalled over contractual disagreements, venue preferences, promotional arrangements and the competing demands of their respective camps.
Both men enjoyed periods at the top of the heavyweight division, but they never met during their respective championship reigns. Their careers subsequently intersected through their defeats to Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, who beat Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022 before defeating Fury twice in 2024.
The long-awaited fight was officially announced in September 2026, with Cardiff selected as the venue after discussions involving several possible locations, including New York.
Promoter Turki Alalshikh announced that the contest would take place at the Principality Stadium, bringing the rivalry to British soil.
The announcement ended years of uncertainty over whether the two fighters would ever meet competitively, although disagreements between their promotional camps subsequently raised questions about the arrangements.
Fury expressed concern in September that the bout could collapse amid disagreements involving Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn. However, subsequent reports indicated that the event remained on course.
The contest is expected to feature the vacant WBA Super heavyweight title, adding a championship dimension to a fight already carrying enormous commercial and sporting interest. (Reuters)
Fury targets Joshua as a stepping stone to Usyk trilogy
Beyond the immediate rivalry, Fury has indicated that defeating Joshua would help position him for another meeting with Usyk.
The Ukrainian heavyweight defeated Fury by split decision in May 2024 before winning their December rematch by unanimous decision. Those results left Fury eager to secure another opportunity against the man who twice denied him victory.
Fury has described the Joshua fight as a stepping stone towards a potential third meeting with Usyk, while predicting that he will stop Joshua within seven rounds.
The statement suggests that Fury sees the December contest as both a major event in its own right and an opportunity to strengthen his position in the heavyweight division.
For Joshua, however, the fight offers a chance to defeat a long-standing rival, strengthen his legacy and demonstrate that he remains capable of competing at the highest level.
Joshua has also expressed confidence ahead of the showdown, promising to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.
With both fighters approaching the later stages of their careers, the contest could carry significant implications for their future plans and their standing among boxing's leading heavyweights.
December mega-fight expected to attract global audience
The contest is expected to draw a substantial international audience, with Netflix holding the global broadcast rights.
Cardiff's Principality Stadium, which can accommodate approximately 74,000 spectators for major events, was selected after negotiations over whether the fight should take place in Britain or the United States.
Joshua's camp reportedly pushed for a British venue, while alternative proposals included New York's Madison Square Garden. The eventual agreement to stage the bout in Wales represents a significant moment for British boxing, allowing local supporters to witness a rivalry that has remained unresolved for years.
According to Reuters, organisers have also sought permission to extend the stadium's operating hours to accommodate a later start designed to suit American television audiences. The proposed ring walk could take place shortly after 1 a.m. local time on December 12, corresponding to the evening of December 11 in the United States.
The arrangement highlights the commercial importance of international broadcasting in modern boxing, where promoters increasingly schedule major events to reach audiences across multiple time zones.
Joshua faces major test against experienced rival
Joshua enters the contest with a reputation as a powerful puncher who has won major heavyweight titles and competed against some of the division's leading fighters.
The former world champion has experienced setbacks during his career, including his two defeats to Usyk, but has continued to pursue major fights.
Fury, meanwhile, is known for his size, movement, defensive skills and ability to adapt during contests. His victories over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder helped establish him as one of the leading heavyweights of his generation.
The contrasting styles could make the encounter particularly compelling. Joshua will seek opportunities to land his powerful combinations, while Fury is likely to rely on his movement, reach and tactical experience.
Nevertheless, neither fighter can be considered certain to win. Heavyweight boxing is unpredictable, and a single punch can change the direction of a contest.
The result will depend on preparation, fitness, tactics and execution on fight night rather than the confidence expressed during the promotional build-up.
Conclusion
Tyson Fury's promise to knock out Anthony Joshua has added another chapter to the build-up to their long-awaited December showdown.
Inspired by Daniel Dubois' emphatic victory over Fabio Wardley, Fury believes he can deliver a similar stoppage when he faces Joshua at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 11.
The fight represents an opportunity for both former champions to strengthen their legacies, with Fury also eyeing a possible third encounter with Oleksandr Usyk.
For boxing fans, the significance extends beyond the verbal exchanges. After years of negotiations and uncertainty, the prospect of finally seeing Fury and Joshua share a professional ring has generated considerable anticipation.
Fury has made his intentions clear, but he must prove his prediction inside the ring. Joshua will have the opportunity to respond when the rivals meet in what promises to be one of the most closely watched heavyweight contests of 2026.